Laura U|DESIGN October Issue 1 Vol. 1
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Transcript of Laura U|DESIGN October Issue 1 Vol. 1
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OCTOBER 2010OCTOBER 2010OCTOBER 2010OCTOBER 2010
Volume 1 | Issue 1
SNEAK PEAK:
what ’s going on ! @ L a u r a U@ L a u r a U@ L a u r a U@ L a u r a U
THE LAUNCH THE LAUNCH THE LAUNCH THE LAUNCH ISSUE!ISSUE!ISSUE!ISSUE!
DESIGN TRENDS
WHAT’S HOT!
LAURA’S PICKS
A GRAY LOVE AFFAIR
“The charming,
petite, apple-red
haired designer
and artist
designs an
Uptown-chic
�at”
Houston magazine, Sept 2010
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Enjoy the dramatic luxury of Claridge’s!Enjoy the dramatic luxury of Claridge’s!Enjoy the dramatic luxury of Claridge’s!Enjoy the dramatic luxury of Claridge’s!
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Claridge’s Hotel, London England
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Laura’s Note October 2010
I am always inspired when our first "cold" front moves through Houston! We hurriedly open our windows and doors in the studio to get the first bit of fresh, unconditioned air since April! Full blown Autumn usually eludes us until late October, but we have had a peek at the changing season. It is just in time for us to launch our fresh faced newsletter and, at last, our brand new website!
This edition of the Laura U newsletter holds some of our favorite and fresh design pieces, there is a nod to an always sunny and whimsical artist, and we showcase some clever, fashion-inspired interiors. We have eclectic suggestions for your interior from our designers and a how-to for merging two styles (guys, you can thank us later!). We also take you behind the scenes of the Laura U Design Studio… you just never know what you'll find there!
With Labor day behind us and Mother Nature giving us a momentary glimpse of fall, we are loving all of the newest styles in from market, looking forward to new fall introductions and, ahem, dare I say, prepping for the holidays. And, as we are introduced to our lovely fall weath-er, we are so excited to introduce our new look to you! Enjoy!
Best!
Laura
"Ah, Autumn - the blissful reprieve from Summer."
- Mike GarofaloMike GarofaloMike GarofaloMike Garofalo
Laura Umansky
President & Creative Director
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table of co
nten
ts...
Letter From The Editor
What’s New At Laura U
Laura U | HIGHLIGHTS
Community | SPOTLIGHT
designing w| Laura U
Fashion Inspired Interiors
Laura’s | PICKS
Art | TALK
Design | STYLE
Get The Look
Behind The Scenes
Shop | TALK
Eco | CHIC
Vendor | PROFILE
Top Five
You’re Invited...
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11
12
14
16
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22
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26
30
31
32
33
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5120 Woodway Suite 6001 Houston TX 77056 (713) 621-6609
Fax (713) 621-6679 1-800-255-5720
ADVERTISEMENT
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. .
Interior designed by Laura U
Photography by Jill Hunter
Featured | INTERIORFeatured | INTERIORFeatured | INTERIORFeatured | INTERIOR
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October marks a very significant milestone for us at Laura U. The
first issue of Laura U|DESIGN and a completely overhauled web-
site were goals we really wanted to achieve, not just for ourselves,
but for you, our wonderful supporters. With these two undertakings
successfully completed, and might I note, with such style and ele-
gance, I had a moment to sit back and sigh (but not for long
though). It was an interesting and fun experience putting this first
issue together. The marketing team, our designers, Laura and myself
worked really hard to ensure we gave you great, stimulating designs
and information about this lower Westheimer design firm and
boutique called Laura U.
With the beginning of fall we see the beginning of new trends, new
design and many things at Laura U. We are looking forward to a
few things this Fall: our Fall Fundraiser Soiree benefiting Scout’s
Honor Rescue on October 14th, our Halloween Weekend Sale, the
Holiday Shopping Card event benefitting the American Cancer
Society, and of course, the much anticipated holiday “shopping”
season. So, from my desk to yours, Enjoy!
Karee…Karee…Karee…Karee…
Laura U, Inc.
1840 Westheimer Road Houston, TX 77098 (p) 713.522.0855 (f) 713.583.8905
www.laurau.com
Join us on Facebook!
A letter from A letter from A letter from A letter from the EDITOR
8 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
Want to find out about our latest sales, events or what’s
happening @ Laura U?
Then, don’t forget to Join Our Mailing List!
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9 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
To read the complete editorial, To read the complete editorial, To read the complete editorial, To read the complete editorial, pick up a copy of the September pick up a copy of the September pick up a copy of the September pick up a copy of the September Issue of Issue of Issue of Issue of Houston Houston Houston Houston magazine!magazine!magazine!magazine!
A sixA sixA sixA six----page spread in the September 2010 issue page spread in the September 2010 issue page spread in the September 2010 issue page spread in the September 2010 issue
of of of of Houston Houston Houston Houston magazinemagazinemagazinemagazine features the work of Laura features the work of Laura features the work of Laura features the work of Laura
U’s design for a jetU’s design for a jetU’s design for a jetU’s design for a jet----setting partsetting partsetting partsetting part----time Houstonian time Houstonian time Houstonian time Houstonian
couple’s piedcouple’s piedcouple’s piedcouple’s pied----aaaa----terre. Located on the 17th floor terre. Located on the 17th floor terre. Located on the 17th floor terre. Located on the 17th floor
of Uptown’s Cosmopolitan highof Uptown’s Cosmopolitan highof Uptown’s Cosmopolitan highof Uptown’s Cosmopolitan high----rise, this two rise, this two rise, this two rise, this two
bedroom flat has a “bedroom flat has a “bedroom flat has a “bedroom flat has a “slick, wellslick, wellslick, wellslick, well----edited de-edited de-edited de-edited de-
sign... [with] more stark white than a sign... [with] more stark white than a sign... [with] more stark white than a sign... [with] more stark white than a
Diddy party in Miami.Diddy party in Miami.Diddy party in Miami.Diddy party in Miami.” Laura, who ” Laura, who ” Laura, who ” Laura, who HoustonHoustonHoustonHouston
magazine describes as a “charming, petite, applemagazine describes as a “charming, petite, applemagazine describes as a “charming, petite, applemagazine describes as a “charming, petite, apple----
red haired designer and artist,” is also working on red haired designer and artist,” is also working on red haired designer and artist,” is also working on red haired designer and artist,” is also working on
the couple’s Los Angeles home with a more tra-the couple’s Los Angeles home with a more tra-the couple’s Los Angeles home with a more tra-the couple’s Los Angeles home with a more tra-
ditional style.ditional style.ditional style.ditional style.
what’s new | @ LAURA Uwhat’s new | @ LAURA Uwhat’s new | @ LAURA Uwhat’s new | @ LAURA U “Everywhere guests look is clean and sleek with splashes of lipstick “Everywhere guests look is clean and sleek with splashes of lipstick “Everywhere guests look is clean and sleek with splashes of lipstick “Everywhere guests look is clean and sleek with splashes of lipstick
red red red red andandandand colorful übercolorful übercolorful übercolorful über----contemporary and popcontemporary and popcontemporary and popcontemporary and pop----type art.”type art.”type art.”type art.”
“The overall impact is both brac-The overall impact is both brac-The overall impact is both brac-The overall impact is both brac-
inginginging————with white on white on with white on white on with white on white on with white on white on more white at every turnmore white at every turnmore white at every turnmore white at every turn————and and and and playful, with cutely curated con-playful, with cutely curated con-playful, with cutely curated con-playful, with cutely curated con-temporarytemporarytemporarytemporary----art pieces neatly art pieces neatly art pieces neatly art pieces neatly placed about, and splashes of red placed about, and splashes of red placed about, and splashes of red placed about, and splashes of red ensuring that this particular take ensuring that this particular take ensuring that this particular take ensuring that this particular take on minimal is anything but cold.”on minimal is anything but cold.”on minimal is anything but cold.”on minimal is anything but cold.”
““““Umansky chose crisp white walls Umansky chose crisp white walls Umansky chose crisp white walls Umansky chose crisp white walls
to give the highto give the highto give the highto give the high----rise a galleryrise a galleryrise a galleryrise a gallery----like like like like
feeling while drawing inspiration feeling while drawing inspiration feeling while drawing inspiration feeling while drawing inspiration
from a serenely modern South from a serenely modern South from a serenely modern South from a serenely modern South
Beach hotel room her clients Beach hotel room her clients Beach hotel room her clients Beach hotel room her clients
loved for its white wood floors.”loved for its white wood floors.”loved for its white wood floors.”loved for its white wood floors.”
Photos Courtesy of Photos Courtesy of Photos Courtesy of Photos Courtesy of HoustonHoustonHoustonHouston magazine.magazine.magazine.magazine.
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Guests of Laura U gathered for an exclusive night of
bubbly and to lust over the fabulous, new collection of
Shamaine Klein Design. The July 15th trunk show fea-
tured Klein’s newest "Modern Opulence" collection, a line
filled with eye-catching earrings, statement rings and
pendants. Each piece is made with rare gemstones and
is set in precious metals.
Shamaine, born into a family of jewelers, has been in-
spired to design jewelry for as long as she can remem-
ber. After a career in the arts and raising a family, her
love affair with jewelry was rekindled. This ignited a crea-
tive spark, and thus, Shamaine Klein Design was born!
After hours of lavish accessories, countless attendees
went home proudly carrying artistic, modern, and versa-
tile new additions for their jewelry boxes.
An Outing of Opulence
laura u | HIGHLIGHTSlaura u | HIGHLIGHTSlaura u | HIGHLIGHTSlaura u | HIGHLIGHTS
10 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
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Scout's Honor Rescue is a nonprofit, animal rescue organization that
focuses on rescuing and placing dogs and cats within Houston, Texas and its sur-
rounding areas. Since being established in May 2006, Scout's Honor has rescued
and placed over 900 dogs and cats in permanent, loving homes. Currently, there
are more than 75 dogs and cats in the program.
Founded by six volunteer rescuers, today there
are more than thirty volunteers who spend their
time caring for animals who are left abandoned in
the streets.
Rescuing homeless animals is an expensive
endeavor since each animal must have all their
vaccinations, must be dewormed, micro-chipped,
spayed/neutered, tested, or placed on continuing
medical care. And which animal would be com-
fortable without the basic necessities like food, crates, collars, toys, and leashes.
Scout's Honor rescues animals from city pounds or from the streets. Because this
program is "foster based", each animal is placed in a temporary foster home
where they are cared for until adopted and placed in a permanent home. Because
their ability to take in animals depends on funding, volunteers and foster homes,
most times very needy animals are simply turned away.
You can find out more about their adoption policies by visiting www.scoutshonor.org.
There, you can download an adoption application or find your next lovable pooch. And to
find out want happened to the little doggie that dashed across the street, stay tuned!
On October 14th, Laura U will be hosting a Fundraiser Soiree and on
October, 15th an outdoor donation drive benefitting Scout’s Honor
at the Danny Jackson Dog Park.
RSVP to [email protected] | HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Scout’s Honor at [email protected] or Visit www.scoutshonor.org
It’s another hot, scorching, traffic-filled day in Houston when I see a scared dog dash across the street.
From the look in its eyes, you know he’s been wandering the streets for many days; without food, without
water and without loving care. He longs for shelter from the noise and from the sounds of constant traffic
all around him; he jumps at the sound of the blaring car horn, all while his body is worn from the scorch-
ing July heat. They say that dogs are man’s best friend, and yet we are reminded every day of the pain
that many animals face. Some animals never get to feel truly loved or enjoy the warmth of a bed at
night or experience the park on a Sunday morning. It’s for this very reason why organizations like Scout’s
Honor Rescue have been a blessing.
community | SPOTLIGHTcommunity | SPOTLIGHTcommunity | SPOTLIGHTcommunity | SPOTLIGHT
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My Love Affair With Gray
““““I’m in love with the color gray, and I’m using
it throughout my entire home.””””
Laura Umansky
T his summer my husband and
I decided it would be a
fantastic idea to renovate
our very own space. Now
that the Laura U Collection and Design
Studio are nearly at the wise old age of
four, we felt it was time to pay some
attention to our abode.
At Laura U, we see beautiful furnishings,
fabrics, art, accessories, and lighting
every single day! And, luckily for me, I
have fantastic clients who love these
pieces too. After endlessly researching,
selecting, reselecting and then chang-
ing my mind, I have found something I
cannot do without. I am in love with the
color gray and I’m using it throughout
my entire home.
A color palette of gray can be chic and
yet warm. The gray on these wall is Benja-
min Moore's "Chelsea Gray" #HC - 168. It's
rich without being too cold and it works
well in rooms with lots of natural light.
Image Courtesy of Hamptons.com
Farrow & Ball: Blue Gray #91, Modern Emulsion
(Image Courtesy of Farrow & Ball).
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Sherwin Williams: SW 7029, Agreeable Gray (Image Courtesy of Nestegg)
designing w| LAURA Udesigning w| LAURA Udesigning w| LAURA Udesigning w| LAURA U
And with a
CRISP, white trim
it can be
so CLEAN
and
freshfreshfreshfresh.” Why Gray? There are so many varieties of
gray and I am loving them all! And with a
crisp, white trim it can be so clean and
fresh. I am just so excited about our new
color scheme that I have to share it with
you. Even though our home is completely
torn apart, I can see the light at the end of
the tunnel, and it’s a very warm shade of
gray! Stay tuned for the final photos,
which my husband expects by the begin-
ning of October, but I know it will actually
be the beginning of November. You have
to love a renovation! In the meantime,
here are some gorgeous grays from Far-
row & Ball, Sherwin Williams and
Benjamin Moore. LU
“Why Gray?Why Gray?Why Gray?Why Gray? There are so many
varieties of gray and I am loving them all!
13 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
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From the fashion runway to chic hotel suites, this world renowned designer has proved to the world that she can do it all.
London’s well-known, five-star hotel, Claridge’s, collaborated with one of fashion’s most loved designer, Diana von
Furstenberg (DVF). To make this infamous hotel embrace its grandeur, von Furstenberg created designs inspired by her trav-
els around the world, handcrafted boxes and trays from Bali, Italian dressing tables, and a
cocktail bar inspired by Middle Eastern jewelry boxes. Each room embodies von Furstenberg’s designs while also keeping
Claridge’s signature beauty and elegance.
“Claridge’s is the most glamorous hotel in the world,”
expressed von Furstenberg, ….“hotels like this don’t
exist anymore, and the legacy must be respected! It is
very important to keep the original architecture and the
formality of the layout of the rooms in order to preserve
the old style of [the] grand hotel life that I love so much. It
has been a true privilege to design new furniture,
fabrics and rugs to keep it relevant for today’s needs and
taste.”
DVF used several patterns from her contemporary
schemes, mixed with Chinese florals and exotic animal
prints. In her Fall 2010 collection, von Furstenberg uses
bold colors with daring patterns which is also seen
throughout the series of twenty guestrooms and suites. ◊
DVF takes "suite" to
the next level!
fashionfashionfashionfashion----inspired | INTERIORSinspired | INTERIORSinspired | INTERIORSinspired | INTERIORS
14 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
Images courtesy The Lux Beat
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“Attitude Is Everything” Diane von Furstenberg
“...most glamorous hotel in the world…”
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Laura’s A great—and great-smelling—buy if their ever was one: One-hundred percent of net proceeds from Philosophy’s Shower for the Cure Shower Gel ($20, philoso-phy.com) goes to the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund.
This trio of lipsticks selected by Evelyn Lauder — in a chic, pink clutch. Estée Lauder will donate
$500,000 from the sales of its Pink Rib-bon Collection to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Estée Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection: Evelyn Lauder Lip Design
Collection, $25, esteelauder.com
Perfect for a chilly fall evening, the Republic of Tea’s Sip for the Cure Pomegranate Vanilla Red Tea ($10, republicoftea.com) is made from antioxidant-rich rooibos tea. One dollar from the sale of each tin goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Philosophy Shower Gel, $20
Estee Lauder Cosmetic, $25
16 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
SHOP FOR BREAST CANCER
Antica Farmacista, $62
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KitchenAid’s Artisan Stand Mixer in Komen Pink ($300, williams-sonoma.com) is not only the ultimate baking tool but $50 of each sale gets donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Laura’s I love La Mer’s Crème de la Mer ($230, cremedelamer.com). It’s a splurge, but definitely worth it. Now there’s a second reason to crave this ultra-pampering cream: La Mer will donate $30,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in connection with sales of this special pink box.
This home fragrance diffuser smells as gorgeous as it looks. With 100 percent of the profits benefiting Cancer Support Community for breast cancer research, it makes quite an amazing gift. Antica Farmacista Home Ambiance Fragrance in Peonia, Gardenia & Rosa, $62, anticafarmacista.com
Republic of Tea, $10
Crème de la Mer, $230
PICKS
17 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
ANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Williams & Sonoma, $300
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W endy Wagner grew up in Austin and
later began studying graphic design at
The Art Institute of Houston. To channel
her inspiration, Wendy sketches whatever fun objects
she sees - her dog’s toys, playground equipment, or
her stepson’s army toys. Wendy approaches these
objects with a childlike imagination, transforming them
into something extraordinary.
Sometimes, Wendy’s inspiration comes through a
long process of thinking, sketching, painting and
re-painting. The act of painting is part of the thought
process for Wendy, who says that “mistakes are a
part of the final piece.” Mistakes also lead to new
discoveries and add the element of under-painting,
which gives her work a softly, ethereal dynamic.
One of the most unique aspects of Wendy’s works is
the story they tell. Wendy has been featured in many
publ icat ions inc luding: OO2 Magazine,
Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Arts Houston,
PaperCITY Magazine, and Houston Lifestyles &
Homes. She has won several awards for her work
including the prestigious 2008 Hunting Art Prize. Soon
you will be able to view Wendy’s work in
Tokyo, Japan where she is set to exhibit in her second
solo show. ◊
If These Walls If These Walls If These Walls If These Walls
Could Talk...Could Talk...Could Talk...Could Talk...
Photos Courtesy of Wendy Wagner.
ABANDONED AT THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH Mixed media on birch panel [24"h x 24"w] 2007
YUMMY IN MY TUMMY GALACTIC CAMO SPACESUIT V2
Mixed media painting on Birch [60"h x 46"w] 2010
I WAS BORN YESTERDAY
Mixed media painting on Birch [12"h x 12"w] 2009
art | TALKart | TALKart | TALKart | TALK
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Imagination is the Imagination is the Imagination is the Imagination is the
beginning of creativity. beginning of creativity. beginning of creativity. beginning of creativity.
You imagine what you desire, You imagine what you desire, You imagine what you desire, You imagine what you desire,
you will what you imagine, you will what you imagine, you will what you imagine, you will what you imagine,
and you create and you create and you create and you create
what you will.what you will.what you will.what you will.
“
” George Bernard Shaw
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g his month, I wanted to tackle the
subject of what is to be done
when two styles merge, other-
wise known as, what to do when you and your
main squeeze starts sharing an address.
Here at Laura U, we are no strangers to love and
romance. When your office is full of gals who are
as adorable as they are talented, it's no surprise
to hear that cohabitation or (fingers crossed!)
marriage is in the works. Consequently, we are
often discussing ways to work around a dining
chair or a wall covering that some boyfriend
doesn't like. And when we're not planning our
own personal residences, we find that most of
our clients come in pairs, and what's good for the
goose is “almost never” the chair that the gander
wants to sit in while he watches Sports Center.
So, we have collected a few tips over the years
that we wanted to share with you, just in case
you're contemplating a relocation into your signifi-
cant other’s house, or you’re deadlocked in a
“THIS WAGONWHEEL COFFEE TABLE IS
HORRENDOUS” sort of a showdown. Because
let's face it — we all saw how great it turned out
for Jess and Marie in When Harry Met Sally.
Designing When Two Styles
Source: Lonny magazine
By: Kristina Wilson
Senior Interior Designer
M E R G EM E R G E
design | STYLEdesign | STYLEdesign | STYLEdesign | STYLE
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#1#1#1#1. It's made of leather. Major man-points for LEATHER
GOODS, especially chairs.
#2#2#2#2. It's comfortable, and he’s allowed to sit in it any time.
If you are planning to have a fancy sitting parlor or those
towels that can't ever actually get used, I would
suggest marrying someone British. Otherwise, forget it! The
days of Thomas Jefferson are over. I mean, there are com-
mercials for something called “FOURTH MEAL”. The days
of grand refinement and daintiness are far behind us.
#3#3#3#3. It's sturdy! Boys may or may not be the clumsier sex,
plus they don't like getting in trouble for messing up your
(INSERT NAME OF ANYTHING HERE). So, don't think for
a moment that you're going to convince a guy that a
scratchable lacquer table is perfect for dining or that a
cabriole-legged tuffet in your TV room is a good idea. If he
thinks he'll break it or mess it up, he's not going to want it in
his house.
Aside from making sure to include pieces in your home that
he's sure to love, and love using, the other thing to keep in
mind is that your home's design should be an
accurate mix of both your styles for an interior that
reflects everyone's personality.
Source: Michael Wells through Desire to Inspire
Source: Lonny Magazine
Source: JAMES TSE through Desire to Inspire
Source: Restoration Hardware
First and foremost, I should explain that this is mainly
for the ladies. Because really, when it comes to your
home's decor or when it comes to EVERYTHING IN
YOUR ENTIRE RELATIONSHIP, my view is that the
ladies tend to win most battles. The main thing is to
make sure your special fella feels comfortable and
welcomed in his own home, or in your home, or
wherever he is now living. Here's the good news la-
dies: guys only care about three things when it
comes to furniture. If you can keep these things in
mind, you're golden on just about everything else.
21
OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
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GET THE LOOK
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Stonewash Velvet Quilt Set
A luxurious quilt made in cerise velvet which can be used on its own or over the top of a duvet.
$571, Graham and Green
Venetian Floor Mirror
This full length venetian mirror with simple beveled edges looks fabulous in any bedroom.
$320, Pedestal Mat
The Marisol Mirror
An antique finished , grandly sized wall-mount sun mirror made of metal with a resin frame.
Price Available Upon Request, Restoration Hardware
Hayworth Vanity Bench
The Hayworth Vanity Bench is as glamorous as its movie-star namesake. Total functional fashion, this
cushy bench is handcrafted, hand-painted and covered with hand-cut beveled mirrors.
$119.95, Pier One Imports
Hayley Table Lamp
Blending together simple and clean materials like white linen for the shade, and clear crystal and a chrome finish for
the base, the Hayley Lamp is a collage of modern textures and design.
$229, Z Gallerie
Mirrored Console $745, Inside Avenue
Two's Company Ainsworth Round Beveled Mirror
An architectural design used in design for thousands of years using reflective beveled mirrored glass to refit
the classic shape for modern interiors.
$300, Madison Avenue Gifts
Baker and Belgae Self Wing Back Chair
Designed for Rume, the Baker and Belgae Self Wing Back Chair is composed of sweeping lines and simple tapered
legs. The dramatic rake to the back gives it a distinct individuality.
$3500, RUME
Benjamin Moore Paint
The premium paints of Benjamin Moore are available in an array of hues, like those shown here: Nantucket
breeze 521, Galaxy 2117-20, Vintage Claret 1364, and Chinaberry 1351.
23 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
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H ouston’s newest hot
spot, CityCentre, is
even more cultured
and hip with the newest addi-
tion of Flora & Muse. Over the
last few months, the designers
worked really hard to make this
chic bistro possible. In order to
achieve what can only be
termed as “versatile”, we com-
bined new furnishings with vin-
tage found pieces, periodperiodperiodperiod----piece frames that piece frames that piece frames that piece frames that e n v e l o p e e n v e l o p e e n v e l o p e e n v e l o p e modernized versions modernized versions modernized versions modernized versions of antique art;of antique art;of antique art;of antique art; crystal
chandeliers and sconces, or-
nate table lamps and several
different wallpaper patterns
were also used as focal points.
The main goal was to focus on
conveying an older, bygone
era, while being suitably func-
tional and relevant in today’s
world. ◌
Behind the Scenes!
@Laura U
Laura
Umansky
Oct. 5
26
Sneak�Peak
24 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
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I n the heart of New York’s SoHo
district, lies one of the most
vibrant, stylish hotels there is - the
Crosby Street Hotel. Characterized by
its fresh, contemporary and sometimes
quirky look, each of the 86 rooms
boasts a modern sophistication that
just oozes luxury. They provide all the
lavish necessities expected by today’s
busy, sophisticated traveller, including
suite views stretching across the city of
Manhattan.
T his month at Laura U, the de-
signers couldn’t get enough
of Eric Cohler. With such a fascinat-
ing array of fabrics and a furniture
line worth talking about, we were
totally digging his creative genius!
H ervé Pierre seems to be all the talk amongst the
designers this month. His luxurious apartment features a
Romanesque, hand-made frame, created entirely from cardboard!
This work of art took him almost two years to finish - Wew!
Designer’s
Choice
Studio | TALK
on the
lookout...
25 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
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SHOP |TALK
In-Store @ Laura U Collection
2.
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26 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
1. Horse Figurine by A&B Home, $72.
2. Chandelier by Europa, $1440.
3. Pigs Do Fly Piggy Bank by Lunares, $160.
4. Diamond Napkin Rings by A&B Home, $9.
5. Dinner Apron by Peking Handicraft, $28.
6. Nickel All Antler by Go Home, $85.
7. Marsailles Stool by Shine by S.H.O., $590.
8. Vintage Glass Decanter by Kalalou, $38.
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27 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
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.
. Uptown Pied-a-terre
Interior designed by Laura U
Photography by Jill Hunter
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6
5002 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77056
(832) 582-2620
www.houston.poggenpohl.com
ADVERTISEMENT
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Arches Acacia Wood Stool This stunning stool by ROOST is hand-carved and
finished with an oil wax finish to accentuate the
natural beauty of the wood. These stools are dried
slowly using heat from charcoal fires. Laura U, $125
Who says being ‘green’ Who says being ‘green’ Who says being ‘green’ Who says being ‘green’ has to jeopardize a chic sense of style? has to jeopardize a chic sense of style? has to jeopardize a chic sense of style? has to jeopardize a chic sense of style?
Sustainability and sophistication come together as we showcase different eco-friendly
design elements. These six ideas are just a handful of the infinite number of ways you can
update an interior while reducing your carbon footprint.
Meadowflower Rug This hand-crocheted, intricate pattern re-creates na-
ture's meditative palette in textured layers, while its
cushy wool offers incomparable softness. Vivaterra,
$395—$795.
D.I.Y. Egg Carton Flower Light
This flower pendant light is made from paper
pulp egg cartons, and the finished light will add a
pretty feminine touch to your room. Instructions
can be found at www.addicted2decorating.com.
Healthy Milk Paint
The healthiest ingredients you can buy for paint! Milk
casein (yogurt), titanium dioxide (powdered donuts),
food grade emulsifiers and preservatives (milkshakes
and chocolates). Anna Sovin, $12 for a Gallon.
Recycled Metal Disc Bowls Scrap metal never looked so lovely. Inspired by spring blossoms, this Recycled Metal Disc Bowl will hold many of your favorite objects and look good doing it. The bowl comes in a variety of sizes. Bambeco, $29-$120.
Wine Cork Tile
Cork Tile is the forward-looking green material
made of end cuts from a wine cork manufactur-
er. All of these products are mesh mounted in
square foot sheets. CorkDotz, $14.95 per tile.
30 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
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HHHH ome décor de-
s i g n e r a n d
producer, Cyan
Design, is re-
nowned for crafting beautiful
objects for beautiful lives. To-
day, they offer an impressive
array of eclectic collectibles
and one-of-a-kind furnish-
ings. At Laura U, our collec-
tion of home furnishings and
accessories are handpicked.
So, it’s no wonder we carry
so many items in store from
this Texas based company.
Our favorite items in the bou-
tique are the plaster Pig,
Horse and Cow Snouts.
CYAN DESIGN In Texas, we take high-design and home accessories to a whole new level!
vendor | PROFILEvendor | PROFILEvendor | PROFILEvendor | PROFILE
31 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
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32 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design
After a long week at work, we are generally very ready to relax, kick of our stilettos and have a
cocktail. Over the last few months, we have tested and perfected the craft of signature cocktails and amazing eats. Along the way, we have visited a few spots worth mentioning. So here are our top five picks for the local
spots that made the cut:
El Tiempo Cantina “Mexican Done Right” Quite frankly, there are so many great things to be said about ETC. The stout margaritas and the legendary tomatillo sauce inherited from Mama Ninfa are heavenly. Fresh guacamole comes with minced onions, jalapeños and garlic to add as desired. Yummy!!
5602 Washington Ave 5602 Washington Ave 5602 Washington Ave 5602 Washington Ave Houston, TX 77007 Houston, TX 77007 Houston, TX 77007 Houston, TX 77007
Max’s Wine Dive An oxymoron for a name, this wine bar is any-thing short of a “dive bar”. The exposed bricks
and concrete floors is very reminiscent of NYC mid-town living! With a phenomenal wine list and great food on the menu, like the Texas-style chili, the Kobe beef burgers and the signature cocktails. We heart Max’s
Wine Dive.
4720 Washington Ave # B 4720 Washington Ave # B 4720 Washington Ave # B 4720 Washington Ave # B Houston, TX 77007 Houston, TX 77007 Houston, TX 77007 Houston, TX 77007
Benjy's Talk about great food and great signature drinks. Whenever we’re feeling especially
dressed up, we head over to Benjy’s to enjoy “the modern American” menu!
5922 Washington Ave 5922 Washington Ave 5922 Washington Ave 5922 Washington Ave Houston, TX 77007 Houston, TX 77007 Houston, TX 77007 Houston, TX 77007
Sawyer Park While we might just be a tad
bit on the biased side, this bar/restaurant still holds true to a
one of a kind after-work experience. With great
drink specials and amazing appetizers like the Tex Mex
Egg Rolls and the Stuffed Jalapeños, how can you ever
go wrong?
2412 Washington Ave 2412 Washington Ave 2412 Washington Ave 2412 Washington Ave (Sawyer St) (Sawyer St) (Sawyer St) (Sawyer St)
Houston, TX 77007 Houston, TX 77007 Houston, TX 77007 Houston, TX 77007
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5.
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The Top 5 Happy Hours
Kenneally’s This very low-key pub is just minutes from our lair! It boasts a great outdoor patio filled with all the perks: gourmet thin crust pizza, brewed ales, and how could we forget, bath towels that pose as nap-kins!
2111 S Shepherd Drive2111 S Shepherd Drive2111 S Shepherd Drive2111 S Shepherd Drive Houston, TX 77019Houston, TX 77019Houston, TX 77019Houston, TX 77019
3.
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11
a fall benefit — PARTY FOR PEOPLE WITH POOCHES —
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. Sawyer Park Bar & Restaurant | Houston, TX
Interior designed by Laura U
Photography by Jill Hunter