When inside designers Laura Umansky and Kristina Wilson of Laura U, Inc. came upon this home, it was in great condition. Constructed in 1929 by noted Houston architect John Staub, the home had undergone a rather recent update by a dominant interior designer. But the new owners turned into a young family who desired a much more open plan for your kitchen and the breakfast room, an updated master suite and insides that reflected their very own fashion. The results equilibrium luxury and relaxation, elegance and coziness, muted tones and bold hues, elegance and fun.
in a Glance
Who lives here: A family of 7
Size: 4 bedrooms, 6 full and 2 half bathrooms
Location: Houston
Year built: 1929
Laura U, Inc..
The residence is located in the tony Houston neighborhood of River Oaks. Architect John Staubfamous for his understated elegance, designed there, including this one. This house’s features include first floor-to-ceiling windows, a glass sunporch plus a grand pool pavilion.
Laura U, Inc..
Throughout the insides, the designers in Laura U Interior Design continued the tradition of understated elegance, ramping up the luxury from the mature rooms while focusing on colorful playfulness from the more kidcentric rooms.
This formal living room’s neutral color palette is emphasized by luxe metal finishes and rich textures. “We love to combine our metals” exclaims Umansky. “This room features nickel sconces, gold rope frame chairs from Annie Selke for Vanguard and custom cushions in platinum cloth.”
Settees: Donghia
Laura U, Inc..
The first windows were carefully restored and outfitted in tailored, custom drapery, Umansky says.
Hardware: Bradley
Laura U, Inc..
In the dining room, Umansky enlisted the talents of local artisans in Imago Dei to paint a trompe l’oeil design on the ceiling.
“We love combining patterns and using sudden color,” she says, talking about the purple silk drapes. “The customer owned the zebra-patterned chairs, so we knew this was a match made in design paradise.”
The hair-on-hide rug by Kyle Bunting adds more texture on the ground and plays off the geometry of their ceiling mural.
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This room functions as the family space and viewing space; a recessed, motorized screen is located in the ceiling over the fireplace. “It’s the ideal space for piling onto the couch and watching movies,” says Umansky.
“We lacquered the paneling in this library at a rich brown with fuchsia and gold accents,” she says. “The color palette makes this a snug, comfy room.”
Sofa: B&B Italia; colors: Lutron; custom artwork: McClain Gallery
Laura U, Inc..
Next into the dark and comfy library is this mild and vibrant sunroom. The floor borrows its color palette in the library, making the hues in a bold checkerboard pattern. Because this is a kids’ domain, carpet tiles by Flor were a great option.
“The persimmon color on the ceiling and also at the accent cushions is a fun foil to the otherwise muted colour,” says Umansky.
Sofa: Vanguard; ottoman: Ralph Lauren Home; table, chairs: Michael Aram
Laura U, Inc..
“The muted color palette in this master bedroom set the stage for the play which is the Hudson chandelier,” says Umanksy. The outcome is a comfy yet glamorous space.
Automatic drapery: Lutron; bench: Christopher Guy (via Laura U Collection)
Laura U, Inc..
“We love to use a writing desk in a bedroom, often as an alternative to a night table,” says Umansky. “We locate the lost art of handwriting letters to be intimate and ideal for your boudoir.”
Laura U, Inc..
Calacatta gold marble is mirrored in layers of mirrors at the master en suite. Venetian mirrors were layered over a wall of custom-cut antiqued mirror. Custom vanities bring the mirror out into new dimensions.
Laura U, Inc..
The mother’s dressing area is an enjoyable meeting spot for all of the women in the home. “Her dressing room connects to the master suite and into the space her daughters share, making this a great space for them to hang out together,” explains Umansky. The room is playfully fashionable; you can see that bolder colors and prints reappear within this shared adult and kid room.
Ceiling wallpaper: Maya Romanoff
Laura U, Inc..
Two young brothers share this room. “We floated the bunk beds because of the locations of each the doors and windows,” explains Umansky. Each bed has a recessed reading light in the head.
Mirrored desks: Bungalow 5
Laura U, Inc..
In a teenaged boy’s room, the habit splatter-painted ceiling steals center stage. A deep blue accent wall causes the bed.
Art: Collaboration involving Natalie Davis and Saba Jawda
Laura U, Inc..
A slick homework and notebook channel consists of a shiny black parson’s desk out of West Elm plus a contemporary chair from the Phillips Collection.
Laura U, Inc..
One existing element from the prior homeowners inspired this entire room: the entertaining, colorful, striped Stark carpet. Low Togo Chairs are a comfortable choice for little ones and match the scale of their attic playroom.
Laura U, Inc..
Moving outside, Umansky added an abrupt jolt of electrical orange poolside via ceramic garden stools. The curvacious wicker furniture is by Janus et Cie. A black and white umbrella provides a crisp graphic component.
Laura U, Inc..
More crisp black and white continues on the pool pavilion’s terrace. “The swimming pool pavilion is equally suited for elegant entertaining as it is for children’s birthday parties,” says Umansky. Philippe Starck’s Bubble Club Chairs provide an enjoyable component, while the black and white palette keeps things sophisticated.
Laura U, Inc..
“The pool pavilion was designed for the previous homeowner. We supplied the space for our customer, keeping in mind that the space would be utilized for entertaining adults but would have to resist wet bathing suits,” says Umansky. “All the upholstery materials are either industrial or indoor-outdoor.”
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