Laura U|DESIGN October Issue 1 Vol. 1

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OCTOBER 2010 OCTOBER 2010 OCTOBER 2010 OCTOBER 2010 Volume 1 | Issue 1 SNEAK PEAK: what’s going on! @ Laura U @ Laura U @ Laura U @ Laura 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 flat” Houston magazine, Sept 2010

description

An interior design magazine showcasing the happenings of the laura U Design Studio and the Laura U Collection

Transcript of Laura U|DESIGN October Issue 1 Vol. 1

Page 1: Laura U|DESIGN October Issue 1 Vol. 1

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

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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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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

[email protected]

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

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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

11 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design

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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!

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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

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Images courtesy The Lux Beat

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“Attitude Is Everything” Diane von Furstenberg

“...most glamorous hotel in the world…”

15 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design

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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.

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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

Page 26: Laura U|DESIGN October Issue 1 Vol. 1

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.

Page 27: Laura U|DESIGN October Issue 1 Vol. 1

27 OCTOBER 2010 Laura U Design

Page 28: Laura U|DESIGN October Issue 1 Vol. 1

.

. Uptown Pied-a-terre

Interior designed by Laura U

Photography by Jill Hunter

Page 29: Laura U|DESIGN October Issue 1 Vol. 1

6

5002 Westheimer Rd.

Houston, TX 77056

(832) 582-2620

www.houston.poggenpohl.com

ADVERTISEMENT

Page 30: Laura U|DESIGN October Issue 1 Vol. 1

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

Page 31: Laura U|DESIGN October Issue 1 Vol. 1

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

Page 32: Laura U|DESIGN October Issue 1 Vol. 1

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

1.

5.

4.

2.

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 —

Page 34: Laura U|DESIGN October Issue 1 Vol. 1

. Sawyer Park Bar & Restaurant | Houston, TX

Interior designed by Laura U

Photography by Jill Hunter