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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.

Green Enthusiasts Unite!

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

The 2008 Color 'Cast!

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/