Exciting News at Laura U!

I am so thrilled that we were recognized at the TGCC ASID Awards in 3 categories! See below for the winning project photos. We are hard at work on our current projects and can't wait to enter our client's interiors in 2009!

Thanks so much to Randall Davis and Natalie Davis for having such a daring style and for working with us on their fabulous corporate offices!

Thanks a million to Rob Pearson for trusting us to create a sophisticated, professional-base for him in Houston!

Thanks to Jill Schlenker and Domitille McCulloch for being amazing cheerleaders for us!

Thanks to the fabulous Alton LaDay for his encouragement!

Thanks to DeeAnn Templeton for her unending support!

Thanks to Brooke Nesbit and Carrie Pool for all of their help!

Very special thanks to Michael Umansky (my very supportive yet neglected husband)!

Home-base for a frequent traveler!

Randall Davis Offices - 2008

Concept: To create a fashion forward corporate office with an art deco edge and a strongly defined color pallet. We establish the style and color concept in the reception lounge: charcoal, blonde, black, chrome and a hint of red (photo frames).
The conference room is a simplified, statement space. The color concept is reinforced here excepting red for a more serious effect.
All spaces attach to the common area which is open, uncluttered with dramatic art lighting.
The CEO’s office is divided based on function: storage/display, work, and lounge. Some existing elements were retained, infusing the space with a found and collected feel. The custom storage holds files and his collections and original art.
The office of the marketing director became the “jewel box” of the project. Custom cabinetry makes this space functional. The occupant is young and stylish so we incorporated a soft pink, otherwise the color concept is reflected.

What's New!?

Hi All,

It has been some time since I last posted to the Laura U Blog so I thought I would show you what we have been busy doing! This week I will post photos from our latest projects. We are very excited about the interiors that we have completed so far in 2008 and equally as excited about those that are on the horizon!

We have some exciting things happening at Laura U during the second half of '08. Stay tuned for our announcements!

Thanks!
Laura

The Laura U upholstery line in development!!

Preliminary sketches for a new sofa! The Laura U Furniture Collection will be unveiled ... - stay tuned...

Lilith's Spring Art Event!

Design Dollars

Where can you get the most impact from your design dollars?

I have had this conversation quite a bit lately with local builders and homeowners. Should you spend your cash on your plumbing or should you devote your hard earned dollars to your tile? or is sprinkling a little bit of green on everything the best way to go?

I have found that putting your money into several high impact areas has the max effect. Here are the house parts that I like to focus on:

• Fun with your foyer. This is the first contact everyone will have with your home. Invest in your front door and door hardware as this sets the tone for the rest of your interior. Fabulous lighting on your porch is a must.


• Make your Master bathroom shine. I like to add special lighitng in this room. Interesting sconces or a sparkling chandelier are often unexpected and fun. Please use a gorgeous framed mirror instead of the wall-to-wall plate mirrors!


• Kitchen is still king. A beautiful natural stone countertop is worth it. And a hood above your range can act as the centerpiece for your kitchen. Go to http://www.ventahood.com/ for ideas.

In general you can expect to lay out the most dollars on your tile and lighting for the maximum benefit. Plumbing fixtures are so much fun and can get easily out of hand. Allow plenty for your kitchen and master bath and save on your secondary bathrooms. Go for broke in your powder - this is such a special space as you can create a "jewel" in your home for a small amount.

Perhaps tomorrow will be dedicated to the art of the powder room...

Painting Resources in Houston and Online

Check out the following resources in Houston and please send me yours!

Sherwin Williams http://www.sherwinwilliams.com/

Milk Paint http://www.milkpaint.com/ available at Settlers Hardware in Houston

AFM Safecoat http://www.afmsafecoat.com/

Anything but Plain http://www.anythingbutplain.com/

Benjamin Moore http://www.benjaminmoore.com/

Restoration Hardware http://www.restorationhardware.com/

To Faux or Not to Faux?

That is the question… and I say “go for it.” Let the pros help you achieve a stunning look that mere paint just can’t accomplish.

I love a tone on tone stencil for a subtle statement and a plaster wall is as rich as it gets! See below for a remarkable decorative paint pattern on a wooden beamed ceiling.

*photo courtesy Modello Designs

Houston is home to some very creative painting resources. One of my faves is to the trade only, but you can get some one-on-one time with her by enrolling in her painting courses. Janie Ellis of Anything but Plain is the faux painter extraordinaire. She divides her time between teaching others to paint and occupying a scaffold! Check out http://www.anythingbutplain.com/ for info. A gorgeous, hand painted, pattern on a kitchen hood or a fireplace mantle sparks interest.

For a fun blog on faux painting check with the “Painted Groove Girl” at http://www.paintedgroove.blogspot.com/.

Please send us your favorite faux resources and photos!! info@laurau.com

Different Strokes

I have often been asked how to apply bold, rich color successfully. This is easily achieved by following these three rules:

• combine colors that are in the same tonal range
• use colors that compliment each other
• save your bold colors for accent walls or interesting furniture pieces.

When selecting colors for your home, you should first evaluate your look. Do you tend to warm or cool tones. Are your colors more yellow and red or more blue and gray. It is best to keep warm and cool tones separate, although a burgundy wall can be amazing when trimmed in a very light gray (aren't there always exceptions!).

Two or three different colors combined in the same room result in a fab space. Start by identifying your “Accent” wall. This is usually the wall that your bed rests against or just an art niche in your dining room. The “Accent” will receive your boldest color and the rest of the room falls away in sedate “Field” color. Mix in a fun furniture piece in a punchy color and voila!

By painting a single wall in your "Accent" you are signaling that something special happens in that space. Place your favorite piece of art or a family portrait on this wall. Your "Accent" may also call out the entry to a special room in your home.

*photo from Western Interiors Feb 2008

What do your colors say in your home?

Moody Blues

A natural follow up to the 2008 Color ‘Cast is a full week dedicated to the how’s of PAINT.

It’s been said once or twice that the absolute quickest way to dramatically change the mood of a room is PAINT. A beige room is reinvented with stormy blue walls creating a calming atmosphere. This deep, dusky hue will enhance your artwork and your black and white photos will be even more dramatic. A youthful yellow or invigorating red will fill your kitchen with energy. Pop these colors with a crisp, white trim. Any room in your home can be reborn in a dark plum: living rooms become cozier, bedrooms are more intimate and dining rooms are instantly elegant.

I recommend the following colors for your home in 2008. You will love them for the year and they may even become your trademark color!

Deep Hues:

• A gorgeous blue that leans to the gray side is Granite Peak from Sherwin Williams. Try trimming this room in Evening Shadow instead of the traditional white. I also love the color Black Pepper from Kravet for Benjamin Moore.
  
• Blackberry and Plum Brown are amazing shades that are new to Sherwin Williams in ’08.
  

Soft Tones:

• Pale Blue can help create an informal setting and works well with natural wood tones and Carrara marble. Use Shore from Restoration Hardware


• Try Pink Shadow in your master bedroom for a feminine touch.

*photo from Sherwin Williams 2008 Color trends.