Amazing Chandelier!

Andromeda Murano: handmade glass for lighting design

How much do we love this chandelier/art installation? Words just cannot say... click on the link above and enjoy!

Fabulous & Unexpected Color for your Interior!

It is almost time to open your home up for Spring! Your summer guests are right around the corner. Don't stress...refresh! And, as I always say, the easiest way to bring life to an interior is through color. Take a look at some of our favorite inspirations for Spring 2010 and check back for even more and also for a list of hues from Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore!


photo courtesy everythingfab.com


photo courtesy Anthropology


photo courtesy roomenvy.wordpress.com

Our Winter Must Haves!

Now that we are enjoying a lovely mid-February chill, it is abundantly clear that the 2009/2010 Winter furniture and accessories markets have come and gone. From Dallas to NYC to Paris, design houses from around the world have introduced their newest gems! We have gauged the temperature of interior design and it seems that vintage looks and natural materials are what's hot!

Vintage:
We absolutely love the soft, warm glow of a filament bulb on a cold winter's night! These bulbs are made using the same technique and materials used in early Edison bulbs, giving them an authentic, vintage look.



Natural:
Cotton laminated bags are perfect for your upcoming spring shopping! You can feel good about using these tough bags that are manufactured from recylcled materials. Laminated cloth used in India to package bulk fabric is repurposed, becoming your favorite functional tote.



Vintage:
Brighten your cold winter table with these eclectic "Soiree" glasses from Roost. These start as clear glassware that are then dipped in fabulous translucent colors. I love the vintage feel of these glasses: dots, arcs and stripes are etched into the color layer.

Laura U's favorite shopping in Paris, Milan, Florence, & Rome!

After feverishly shopping for my clients and the boutique this winter, I thought I might take a step back and reflect. Touring Paris, Milan, Florence and Rome this past December was inspiring and we were introduced to tons of fantastic product lines! After shopping all day, every day, for ten days straight, we were exhausted but refreshed. Below are just a few of our favorites!

Les Puces (“the Fleas”) in Paris has tons of interesting vendors. At the flea market at St. Oeun we discoverd a truly unique designer on Rue de Rosiers. Ghislain Antiques creates the coolest “French industrial” furnishings.



The Cyrus Company showroom in Milan.



Versace Home in Milan.



The owner of Pandora in Florence (near Santa Maria Novella and not far from the Duomo) is not a product designer but a curator of sorts. Her collection of 1920s through 1970s French and Italian antique and vintage furnishings is enviable. This was, by far, my favorite find on the entire shopping trip.



In Rome, I loved the Devon and Devon showroom. Near the Spanish Steps and just a couple of streets from Via Condotti (where you can find ALL of the major couture showrooms), it is a gorgeous showcase of elegant bathroom fixutures.

Define your Distinct Design Style II

After perusing the four styles discussed last week (Traditional, Transitional, Contemporary and Eclectic), you may have noticed that your Distinct Design style was not included. Don’t despair! Our breakdown of design styles continues! Below are three additional design styles and one may be yours… and if not, check back next week for more interior design looks.

Art Deco

Your style is grounded in geometry (ex. Fan motif), your color palette is based on black and metallics but is highlighted with rich hues like red. This is a theatrical style, which is why the look is right at home in today’s media and theatre rooms. This glam style is always fun and makes your home a favorite for entertaining! (photo of interior by Douglas Dolezal courtesy HGTV)



Hollywood Regency

The theme is luxury and your over-the-top style just oozes glamour! Designers pioneered this glitzy style in 1930s Hollywood but it has grown in popularity over the past couple of years. And who wouldn’t love the rich fabrics, posh accessories, and glittering crystal chandeliers of your decidedly luxe look? Don’t forget your high gloss lacquered furniture and fabulous mirrored pieces. It just wouldn’t be Hollywood Regency without them! (photo from "Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day")



Mission Style (Arts and Crafts)
Your favorite piece of furniture was handcrafted by a local artisan and sits cozily in the warmth of your living room. Dark woods are accompanied by deep reds, yellows and oranges. You shy away from anything ornate and are drawn to clean lines, tectonic designs, and straightforward materials. Stained glass is an important feature of the Mission Style. Your glass is most likely abstract in style and glows with deep earth tones. (photo courtesy www.artisticlicense.org)

Define your Distinct Design Style!

You walk into a space and you instantly know it is your style. What is it about the design of this particular interior that makes it distinctly you? Are you drawn to the soft, monochromatic palette; is it the clean-line construction of the furnishings; is it the rich and collected mix of accessories? Here are four distinct design styles and their traits – one may just be you!

Traditional Style: Warm wood tones set the stage for your look. Rich colors such as emerald green and aubergine are balanced by the softness of peach and tan. Florals, Damasks, and paisleys grace your draperies, bedding, and upholstery. Tassels, fringe and bullion abound! You source your fabulous furnishings from England or the French countryside. Gilded frames surround your favorite still-life and landscape which are gorgeously arranged in every well-appointed room. (Image courtesy NLMDesign)



Transitional Style: You are straightforward, timeless and sophisticated. You love a muted, monochromatic color palette of cream, taupe, and tan, contrasted by espresso wood tones. But your look is anything but bland! Sculptural occasional furnishings, textured fabrics and accents of bronze or pewter add interest to your serene space. Contemporary, clean-line furnishings ground your look and every worldly accessory has a home. (Marriner Home by Laura U - photo by Jill Hunter)



Contemporary Style: A bold, abstract painting is the center of your universe! Your color palette is grounded in black, white, gray or cream. From there you may choose a muted color scheme or you may venture into an attention grabbing composition of primary colors. This exciting style embraces large graphics in art, accessories and area carpets. Furnishings lack anything considered unnecessary (such as carving or fringe) and are sleek and always intentional. (Kreuer Home by Laura U - photo by Jill Hunter)



Eclectic Style: You are a master of the mix! Pairing a Louis XIV chair with a contemporary Lucite side table does not phase you. You love a rich, relaxed yet surprising interior that is never fussy and does not hurt for a conversation piece. A color palette of show-stopping hues, myriad metallics, and, more often than not, a base of black and white, creates a cozy space reminiscent of Les Puces. (Photo courtesy Doug Meyers)

Laura U Wins at the 2009 ASID Awards!

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!

Gingko Candle from Michael Aram - smells gorgeous!


Hydrangea Frame from Michael Aram

ASID offers the top 10 trends for 2009!

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!

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!

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)!