Laura U Blog

Laura U Wins at the 2009 ASID Awards!

2009-09-30T15:50:00.021-05:00

The fabulous ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Awards were held at Hotel ZaZa on Saturday, Septemeber 26th. It was an extraordinarily exciting evening for the Laura U team. We were the winner in 2 categories and received honorable mentions in 5 categories! Take a look at the winning projects...

Winner: Best Residential Interior under 3500 square feet.

Winner: Best Theatre Room

Honorable Mention: Urban Living (Mid-rise & High-rise)

Honorable Mention: Best Residential Interior under 3500 square feet

Honorable Mention: Best Use of Technology

Honorable Mention: Hospitality/Restaurant

Honorable Mention: Special Function (Guest Suite)

Things we love for Summer!

2009-08-13T15:51:00.004-05:00

Gingko Candle from Michael Aram - smells gorgeous!

Hydrangea Frame from Michael Aram

ASID offers the top 10 trends for 2009!

2009-01-23T09:57:00.006-06:00

It's a new year and the design industry is buzzing about what home owners and buyers desire in 2009. According to a panelist of designers at a session on “Design Trends Marketplace” at the International Builder Show, home owners are looking for more contemporary looks. Happily, I have found this trend to be true in our most recent projects and I think we will continue to see a move to less cluttered and intentionally spare spaces.

"Today’s minimalist design may mix straighter furniture elements, two different colors repeated throughout (e.g. white and green) and a mix of fun, bold accessories (such as a red chair) or a traditional element (such as an antique mirror).

Indeed, contemporary architecture is even spreading to suburbia (see examples from Agave’s energy efficient contemporary homes in Austin, Texas).

Here are some of the common design trends growing in demand.

1. Lighting options used as pieces of art in funky shapes. A variety of lighting options can be used that are decorative yet functional.

2. Outdoor living that serves as an extension of the inside of the home with outdoors that boast comfortable seating, audio, TVs, a fireplace, and artwork to punch up the space.

3. Design accessories reflecting nature speak to buyers who are more aware of preserving the environment. For example, tree designs are popular, such as via an art sculpture, painting, or even reflected in a table.

4. Green design elements, such as water-efficient appliances and LED lighting under the kitchen cabinets, continue to gain traction and offer cost savings.

5. His and her amenities are increasing, such as even separate garages and vanities with his countertop higher than her’s for a more custom look.

6. Car lifts offer compact storage of vehicles and are expected to grow in popularity as lot sizes grow smaller. A basement built under a garage can allow for the car to descend into the basement until you need it. Or a garage with a higher ceiling can stow the car above.

7. Windows can serve as focal points of a room as well as boost energy efficiency. Floor-to-ceiling windows can add drama to a room.

8. Wood in dark or light stains and in various materials are being used throughout homes. For example, wood details on the ceiling can enhance the architecture and Palmwood, which comes from coconut palms, can be used to add a featured wall in the room.

9. Mirrors add glamour to a room and help buyers see themselves in the space–literally. Mirrors add a focal point, enlarge rooms, and can be an important detail to include in homes.

10. More electronics are being sprinkled everywhere, such as iPod docking stations throughout the home and TVs in practically every room (e.g. kitchen, study, and bathrooms)."

Thoughts for 2009 trends???

Laura U welcomes 2009!

2009-01-16T21:25:00.005-06:00

Once again the holidays have flown by and we find ourselves solidly in the middle of January. How this happens year after year I just don't know. But, we at Laura U have so many exciting things in the works for the New Year ... and they just keep coming!

I swept through the Dallas Market this week, shopping for clients and the Collection. Don't tell us we are in a recession because the Market was packed and all shoppers are excited for what 2009 promises.

I found some fantastic new pieces from the designer lines we currently offer and two new lines that I am counting the days to receive! Check out TRINA TURK for a peek at some of the fab pillows we are expecting. I also snapped up the cutest aprons you have ever seen from Peking Handicraft. These can't get here soon enough!

Another thing I absolutely adore about hanging out at Laura U everyday is that I get to spend tons of time with the best local art work in Houston. Allison Hunter's beautiful images are currently on display (you may have seen her work on the cover of 002 Mag last month). But they are not up for much longer! I am sad to see them go but we are sending them off in style with a Champagne Toast on January 22nd (6pm-8pm). Please plan to join us!

Check back for other big announcements like... Our SECOND anniversary and the launch of our NEW streamlined website!

Exciting News at Laura U!

2008-10-28T14:40:00.005-05:00

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!

2008-08-18T10:22:00.006-05:00

Randall Davis Offices - 2008

2008-08-12T14:11:00.011-05:00

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!?

2008-08-12T13:50:00.000-05:00

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!!

2008-04-05T16:25:00.001-05:00

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

Lilith's Spring Art Event!

2008-02-29T09:12:00.000-06:00

Design Dollars

2008-02-07T16:28:00.001-06:00

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

2008-02-04T19:52:00.001-06:00

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?

2008-01-30T18:07:00.001-06:00

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

2008-01-29T18:56:00.000-06:00

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

2008-01-28T19:11:00.000-06:00

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.

Green Enthusiasts Unite!

2007-12-08T16:55:00.000-06:00

Love this room! Totally supports my "Green in moderation" (or not) theory for '08!

The 2008 Color 'Cast!

2007-12-02T18:55:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the maiden posting of the Laura U Blog! My mission is to create a space for inspiring design discussion and ideas that are a natural extension of the Laura U Collection. The Collection focuses on one-of-a-kind finds for your home, local flavors in art and singular artisinal furnishings.

As 2007 draws to a close designers of both interiors and fashion look to the color forecast for 2008. What better way to ring in the new blog, and the new year, than with a new color 'cast? One of the key components in design is COLOR and here I will focus on the hippest of the current color combos.

Taking cues from both Pantone View Color Planner and Sherwin Williams Color Forecast, I have pulled together three palates that will transition us stylishly into 2008!

Happy New Year!

Laura U

Color Story 1: the Sophisticate

Peach, Black, Gold.

This dewy look is absolutley timeless.

To acheive the poised nature of this scene, use a fleshy peach on your walls and accent with a crisp white trim. I often use black on base and crown mouldings, but only when a bold statement is in order. The designer of this space keeps the backdrop consistent by continuing the same color on the walls and window coverings. Then he pops the look with a wide drapery flange in black. Hardware, mirrors and furnishings in gold are classically current.

C1: Peach - "Fragile Beauty" from Sherwin Williams is a fresh tone from their 2008 Concepts in Color collection.

C2: Black - When I use black paint I use Sherwin Williams "Tricorn Black."

C3: Gold - The Triton shell from Bungalow 5 design group makes an assertive statement.

Color Story 2: the Romantic

rosy brown, purple, pewter & gold.

This combination is very boudoir. I love the glam feel of the deep purple with mirror and metallics. Try a mix of mink, bold purple and a pinch of burgundy for good measure.

In this scene the mirrored chest from Century Furniture grounds the room with a beautifully crafted metal base in a pewter finish.

Gold is very now and works perfectly when paired with pewter tones.

C1: Rosy brown - try this subdued shade from Sherwin Williams: "Dutch Cocao."

C2: Pewter wallcovering (like Gracie "Pewter Leaf" available to-the-trade) is gorgeous when installed in a barrel vault ceiling and uplit.

C3(s): Deep purple and burgundy - Stop by Laura U Collection to see the newest pillow collection from Ankasa. The Arabian Nights pillows mingle purple, burgundy, pewter and gold.

Color Story 3: the Dramatist

green, cream, gold (yet again)

How fabulous is this decaying and startling green? I am in love with the idea of painting a wall and it's baroque mouldings a fantastically flat green. I am not sure this will work for everyone; in fact, I am sure it will not work for many. Maybe we can all begin with a small, verdant accessory!

Down the rabbit hole anyone?

C1: The Spring-leaf green walls and mouldings will be the only sound you need in this room.

C2: A lovely, cream, tone-on-tone carpet will quiet the noise and compliment your look.

C3: Again with the gold - I love the Weathered Pearl finish from Century Furniture. It is available on all of their chairs. Visit Laura U Collection and http://www.centuryfurniture.com/.

***Please send us your favorite interior looks! Let us know where you love to shop in Houston and elsewhere!

Check Back for a photoshoot with Whitney Casey in her home designed by Laura U!"

http://www.laurau.com/