7 Summer Garden Tips McDugald Steele
Houston’s Top Breakfast Spots
Summer’s Hottest Trends
July — September 2013 Issue 15
Editorial Spotlight: The Mommie Series
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IN EVERY ISSUE 03
Connect with Us
06
Letter From Laura
08
Meet The Team
10
Coming Soon
38
New In the Boutique
48
Design Envy| Studs
50
Laura U| Look Get our signature look
SHOPPING 12
European Enthusiast
14
Bold Stripes
16
Mint Madness
26
Designer Faves
28
Design Selected Source:
40
Pinning & Pining
Allen Knight
FEATURES 18
Seven Summer Garden Tips McDugald Steele -
30
Art Talk: Pop Art
32
Where In the World: Our Top Houston Breakfast Spots!
40
The Mommie Series| Misti PaceKrahl
46
Leaders In Design Award
Letter from Laura Umansky
Our Contributors
July—September 2013
W
e are all smilingly, but not comfortably (thanks a lot Houston weather), settling into summer at Laura U! So much is going on around these parts, but we are also getting out and about. We recently hit up the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in NYC and are just about to head to Las Vegas Market. So much to see and to bring to you! Happily, we have our blog and the Laura U | Mag to showcase all that we are finding at market and at our local showrooms. We continued to be inspired and, of course, we love to share! Inside this issue you will find that your green thumb doesn’t get to rest just because we are into the dog days. McDugald Steele shares 7 smart gardening tips for the summer season. Laura U is hosting the fabulous “Mommie Series” at our studio in August and the founder is excited to tell you all about it! And find out what we are seeing through our design eyes and what our clients can’t get enough of (hint: GOLD!). As you all know, the company culture at Laura U is all about fostering creativity and sharing it with the world. In that spirit, we are hosting a drive for the Ronald McDonald House and the Laura U team will be decorating picture frames with families at the RMH in July. Inside the Mag you will also find a list of items that RMH is in need of – we would appreciate your donation. The Rondald McDonald House was there for my family when our twin girls, Liv and Ryan, spent time in the NICU at Children’s Memorial Hermann. I was able to rest at the Ronald McDonald House almost daily so I could be near my girls until they could come home. Please donate as much as you can to help other families be near their loved ones when they cannot be at home! Keep in touch by checking out our blog and social media. We will be sure to post pics of our team outings and market visits along with great design ideas. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy reading the following pages as much as we enjoyed putting them together!
Laura
06 LAURAU | July-September 2013
MISTI PACE-KRAHL
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832.228.3750 | sales@forefrontav.com
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IT TAKES A VILLAGE: THE LAURA U
L AURA U MANSKY
FROM: Seguin, TX Why do you love Houston? I love Houston because the people are awesome, the food is fabulous, and the art and design industry is vibrant.
C AROLYN M IGHELL FROM: Houston, TX Why do you love Houston? I can get Polish pierogi, vegetarian korma, pulled pork, pho, and barbacoa all on the same street.
A FTON B AILY FROM: Midland, TX Why do you love Houston? I LOVE the inclusiveness. After moving here from Austin making friends was super easy.
K IRSTIN T ATE
C ATHERINE S OLOMON
FROM: Anderson, IN Why do you love Houston?
FROM: San Angelo, TX Why do you love Houston?
Because, it’s the place I call home. It’s a bonus that there are amazing restaurants and shopping!
I love the extensive Aggie community and the never disappointing schedule of concerts.
08 LAURAU | July-September 2013
L INHD
FROM: Wo Why do you
I LOVE the divers Houston has to o has some of the U
U TEAM
DA
F ABIAN S EGURA
FROM: Guadalajara, Mexico Why do you love Houston? I love the diversity of Houston!!! Everyone from everywhere is here and it makes this place intriguingly fun.
T RAN
orcester, MA u love Houston?
se cultural food that offer. I think Houston best eateries in the US.
L ETECIA
ELLIS
FROM: Bay City, TX Why do you love Houston? The FOOD! Houston is a foodie’s paradise.
B LAIR F OSTER FROM: Houston, TX Why do you love Houston? I really love the abundant, involved, and diverse arts scene.
M EREDITH S ANDERS FROM: New Orleans, LA Why do you love Houston? I like that Houston is constantly growing & changing.
L ANDI L AUSEN
FROM: Houston, TX Why do you love Houston? It has the best of every world… from shopping, cuisine, or the night scene, there is never a dull moment! 2013 July-September|
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COMING SOON
More STUNNING Laura U Interiors. Stay up to date at LauraU.com!
10 LAURAU | July-September 2013
T W
here is something about summer that brings out the kid in all of us. The heat brings back the fond memories of lounging by the pool, sleeping in, and traveling to far away places. hether you are staying home this summer or have an adventure booked the tips and trends within these pages will help you plan your destination wardrobe or just brighten up your home for a transformative staycation. Read on for more...
fashion to Furnishings 2013 July-September|
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EUROPEAN ENTHUSIEST Aren’t headed to Europe this summer as originally planned? No reason you cannot pretend with our lovely hand-selected, euro-inspired finds.
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Jonathan Adler Chandelier
Sputnik Chandelier $1573; Ylighting.com
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Cristi Slingbacks
Cristi Sling back Heals $370; Anthropologie
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3
Franklin Chair
Greige Franklin Chair $1,240; Shopgreige.com
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Wine Tote
Everyday Leather Wine Tote $39.00; Mark and Graham
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Natural Chair
Briddle Duffle Travel $1730; Lotuff
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EUROPEAN ENTHUSIAST
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10
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One Hope
Reserve De Blanc; $45.00; One Hope Wine
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Candle Delight
Dwell Studio Candle Holders $223; Zinc Door
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WilliamsSonoma Tea
All-Clad Stainless Steel tea kettle $99.95; Williams-Sonoma
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Lazy Susan Candle
White Pepper Log Candle $120; Zinc
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Hobson
Viintage Light, Hobson ; The Urban Electric Co.
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BOLD STRIPES Graphic stripes bring a fun sense of dimension to everything from pillows to pants. This design trend is not just for Brittany sailor shirts or inmates anymore!
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That’s so clutch
Large Stripe Clutch $395; Kelly Wearstler
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Zara Legs
Printed Trousers with Vertical Stripes $29.99; Zara
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3
Perf Pillows
Maharam DWR Pillows $150; Design Within Reach
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Striped Throne
Canopy Striped Armless Upholstered Accent Chair $299;
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Striped Service
Hoffman Series B Service ; Neue Galerie
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M M $ e
BOLD STRIPS
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Missoni Rug
Missoni Home Kiel Modern $4105 $6135; AllModern.com
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Lamps Plus
Grayed Jay Bold Stripe Giclee Glow Plug In Swag Pendant $299.99; Lamps Plus
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Pretty Thank You’s
Gold Stripe Thank you Cards; $5; shoplaurau.com
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Candle Craving
Flame Totem Candle $350; Missoni Home
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Deck Stripe Swimsuit
Underwire Tank Swimsuit; $59.99; J Crew
2013 July-September|
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MINT MADNESS
Mint chocolate chip was a childhood favorite growing up. Now the mint and aloe hues are showing up everywhere, especially since being chosen the 2013 Sherwin Williams color of the year. Who’d of thought your childhood palette was so sophisticated!?
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Purse Perfection
Jordan Saffiano Crossbody $1202.00; Neiman Marcus
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The IT pillow
Bonne Terre Euro Sham $128; Anthropologie
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3
Honeycomb Shade
Honeycomb glass Pendant Shade ; $64; Urban Outfitters
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Riding in Style
Micarg Pantera 7 speed $299.99; Target
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Filing Cabinet
Tps Mint Filing Cabinet $159; CB2
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Impressive Dresser
French Country Dresser $1162; Lanksy Studio
MINT MADNESS
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Essie Nail Polish
Mint Candy Apple $8; Essie Nail Polish
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Wonderland Ring
Ipollita Wonderland Mint Ring $595.00; Neiman Marcus
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Salt & Pepper Bowls
Mint Salt and Pepper Bowls; $38; Etsy
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Kelly Wearstler
Faux Leather Mint Pants $158; Kelly Wearstler
11
Sunset Sphere Pillow
9� Sphere Pillow $375; Andrew Yes
2013 July-September|
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SEVEN TIPS FOR SUMMER IN THE GARDEN McDugald Steele Reveals Their Best Summer Gardening Secrets — Houston Style!
McDugald Steele Landscape Architects & Contractors delivers fine garden services to discerning clients. Our process of collaboration with architects, designers and craftsmen ensures design outcomes that align with the project aesthetic and client vision. Our work has an enduring appeal with a fresh interpretation of classic landscape design principles. Our clients are ensured an exceptional project experience nurtured by a team of professionals dedicated to creating, constructing and managing extraordinary gardens.
1. Take a walk through your garden conditions that exist on site. Does you summer or will that beautiful live oak
n: The pros call it analysis but the first step is always to understand the ur garden have a southern exposure meaning full sun in the heat of the shade your garden year round?
2. Start with a Vision: The best design starts with a shared experience. Remembering the sound of a gentle fountain, the earthy smell of moss covered flagstone pavers and a cup of cafÊ au lait transports you to that New Orleans courtyard you love. The elements of garden design should have a unified concept which becomes your touchstone for all design decisions. Your concept should be compatible with the conditions you noted in your analysis. But don’t be afraid of breaking the rules.
3. Expect a High Perf We set high standards our homes and our sma fluenced by technology Water: High efficienc signed to conserve wat aged timers, moisture s even rain water harves ply. Energy: Lighting in th
formance Garden: in many areas. Our cars, art devices are heavily iny, so can fine gardens. cy irrigation systems are deter by using carefully mansensors, drip irrigation and sting as an alternative sup-
he garden is transforming,
just as we see in interior design. LED lighting has arrived for exterior lighting and these tremendously efficient fixtures with ultra-low power requirements provide spectacular results. Organics: This approach to modern garden management is literally rooted in principals that have been around for ages. Key to successful organic gardens is to promote healthy soil. Beneficial microbes and fungi can be introduced and maintained to promote healthy exchange of nutrients between soil and plants.
4. The Garden is a Living Creation: Gardens live and grow! Expect and understand that your garden will evolve and change. Plan for the future. The sapling planted today will become a towering oak and some plants may not be around more than a growing season or two. Enjoy the endless variation your garden offers.
5. Summer in the Garden: Now is the season when our gardens are actively growing. We also are experiencing extreme heat and cycles of rainfall. Protect and feed your garden by mulching to conserve soil moisture, fertilizing to promote growth and look out for garden pests. Lace bugs, chinch bugs, thrips, mites, slugs, snails, aphids and fire ants! The list is endless. Pests, like weeds, can be a sign of a garden out of balance.
6. Prepare for Fall: Cooler temperatures bring changes in seasonal color and displays. Fall is a great time to spend time with family and friends in your garden and truly starts Houston’s outdoor season. Unlike our neighbors to the north, fall and winter are active times in our coastal climate. Plan a game day event in the garden centered on an outdoor living room, fire pit or spa! 7. Plan for Spring! Extraordinary gardens start with great planning. You could start now collecting inspirational images from your travel photos, friend’s gardens you have admired, Pinterest, Houzz and of course, McDugaldSteele.com!
McDugald Steele is a privately owned firm offering design/build services for the Landscape Architecture and landscape contracting sector. The firm also offers a full range of landscape management services including a complete organic maintenance program. Check out our work at McDugaldSteele.com.
Our Favorite McDugald-Steele Houston-centric Gardening Tips:
We have as many beautiful days year round as anywhere. Get out and enjoy your garden!
In Houston you can practically watch your garden grow before your eyes. And unlike watching paint dry—it never stops!
We are an international cultural city of the world. Celebrate that diversity in the garden through art and cultural elements.
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Now you have something besides mosquitos to worry about! Oh and remember to hydrate!
What Houston engineering or financial pro doesn’t like crunching the numbers? Track the efficiency metrics in water and energy savings while enjoying your respite garden (we all relax in different ways)!
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Hubert Le G Bra
Oly Astro Shelves
Directoire Mirror with Copper Mirrored Borders, 1stdibs
De
Benjamin Moore OC-19 Seapearl
1950s Mary Macdonald Gold Lamp
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Project 910 by Kiko Salomao Arquitetura
Gall Polyedres ass Chandelier
Quing Pottery Lamps
esigner FAVES
s Lacquered Regency Style Spoon-Back Chairs , 1st Dibs
Paule Marrot, Pink Maze
Hexagon Oak Parquet Floor 2013 July-September|
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DESIGN SELECTED SOURCE
ALLAN KNIGHT The noteworthy design specialist we have come to love.
Allan Knight and Associates is a trade showroom based in Dallas and, quite frankly, it's a showstopper. Within Knight’s impressive showroom the level of creativity is bursting at the seams. We appreciate fine design, innovative thinking, and not-your-everyday design aesthetic. Allan Knight delivers all this and a side of fries! We can’t say enough good things about Allen Knight and the never-ending design inspiration he has given us. Acrylic, textiles, lighting, iron, accessories, and Acrylic Upholstery are all present in Allen Knight’s extensive design. Sixty represented lines and Allan's own lines make up the framework of product offered at Allan Knight and Associates. The Allan Knight brand product is also located in design showrooms in every major market in the United States.
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ART TALK: POP ART
Our design team loves scouting new and undiscovered artists on Saatchi Online. Saatchi’s tag line, “Disco Art. Get Discovered.” sums up their premise perfectly. Their easy to use ecommerce site full of well organized, up and coming artists provides even the art lover on a budget something fabulous for their home. Here are our favorites from Saatchi’s “Pop Art” collection, online now.
I’d Like to see Paris by Patti Kelly 2 from 0-9 by Jasper Johns 30 LAURAU | July-September 2013
Girl with Ball by Roy Lichtenstein
over -
Tete De Mort by Christoph Heymann Thank you, Cabernet by Valerie Carpender
First by Sandro Chkhaidze, Georgia Good Morning Gorgeous by Patti Kelly
Soup at the Movies by Andy Warhol 2013 July-September|
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WHERE IN THE WORLD: HOUSTON OUR TOP 5 FAVORITE BREAKFASTS SPOTS
32 LAURAU | July-September 2013
River Oaks Donuts couldn’t have greeted us with a more beautiful box of donuts when we arrived at their quaint and tidy little donut shop on Westheimer. They offered us a taste of undeniably generous amount of different flavor filled donut holes that will leave you coming back for more. The bright green donut with sprinkles (aka the River Oaks Donut) is one of their best sellers along with their to-die-for blueberry donut holes.
#1 RIVER OAKS DONUTS 3601 Westheimer Rd
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#2
HOT BAGEL SHOP 2009 S Shepard Dr.
This gem of a breakfast spot is tucked away in a tiny yellow building with a green roof on South Shepard. This is our favorite place for a hot breakfast when you’re on the run! We love the ‘everything’ bagel and literally everything else! So next time you’re dragging to get to work stop by the Bagel Shop and brighten your day.
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Mmm... The Breakfast Klub is undeniably the most popular of our favorite Houston breakfast spots. Even before Dwight Howard made a celeb appearance earlier this summer, the line is and will always be out the door every single morning!
#3
THE BREAKFAST KLUB 3711 Travis St
Photo Credit: breakfastklub.com 2013 July-September|
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#4
TORCHY’S TACOS 2411 S Shepherd Dr.
"Stop reading and go now!" exclaim fans of this ever-growing Mexican chain cherished for its "creative" tacos "bursting with delicious fillings" like fried avocado and "spicy" jerk chicken. We insist you try the Trailer Park and order it “trashy” (with queso on top). We promise it is way better than it sounds! Laura U staff agrees this is the office favorite.
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SHOP OUR BOUTIQUE 1. TEAL WICKER TWIN HEADBOARD This rich paint color breathes new life into this 70s era vintage wicker headboard. The whimsical headboard will look adorable in any children’s room or guest room. Available soon in
1.
our Vintage & Market Finds One King’s Lane shop or in store now. 2. VINTAGE GOTH CARVED CHAIR Love high gloss glamour? Then this pair of black lacquered gothic-style carved chairs are for you. The custom upholstery is Pindler & Pindler snow leopard and gray velvet fabric. Available soon in our Vintage & Market Finds One King’s Lane shop or in store now. 3. VINTAGE FRETWORK COFFEE TABLE
4.
Asian inspired home goods are all over the dwell magazines and this coffee table belongs in one of those spreads. This vintage lacquered, fire engine red table
5.
will be an instant focal point to any room in need of a little oomph. Available soon in our Vintage & Market Finds One King’s Lane shop or in store now.
4. VINTAGE BRASS GAZELLE One of our most favored collections is our assortment of refurbished brass animals. This brass vintage gazelle has been
2.
professionally re-polished and sealed to bring out it's true brilliant shine. Available soon in our One King’s Lane Store or online/in store now. 5. CERAMIC SEA URCHIN Need to add intrigue to your coffee table or book shelf? Add this ceramic sea urchin to
3. 38 LAURAU | July-September 2013
increase drama and add layers. This little guy is also available in gold and antique gold in store or online at shoplaurau.com.
laurau.com
your design source
DISCOVER MORE AT LAURAU.COM DESIGN PORFOLIO SHOPPING CONTACT SHEET DESIGN BLOG LAURA U SERVICES
2013 July-September|
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1s Lacquered Strié wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries
Fiona Paxton Necklace
Hervé Van der Straeten Ruban gold-plated
Hermes Clutch
Can you say...
Mid
BEDSIDE RING TABLE LAMP Circa Lighting
Curved Back Klismos Style Acrylic Chair Mecox Gardens
40 LAURAU | July-September 2013
Gold Leaf Floor Candleholders, 1st dibs
Custom Designs - Madison Lily Rugs
st Dibs Art Deco Chandelier
Pinning & Pining
What Our Client’s
Love
Now
das Touch?? Follow Laura U on Pinterest! pinterest.com/laurauinc
POLLINI Sandals
Tommaso Barbi Table Lamp
Gold Pineapples 2013 July-September|
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LAURA U LOVES
| THE MOM
What inspired you to start Misti
I knew I did not w
Style and Mommie Series?
an expo, to create
I studied Haute Couture in Paris and Lon-
ment I decided to
don. I knew when I came back that I wanted boutiques. The id a full fashion styling company. I moved to
knowledge of wha
Houston five years ago to expand my ser-
lowing women to
vices and location. As I learned more about
books� while gett
Houston and the diversity, I wanted more. I ston professional
paid attention to the needs of Mothers, real- four) the location ly just women. I started to conceptualize a
Ceremony change
learning experience (a lecture series based
ics up to date.
on FAMILY, HEALTH, FINANCE, and FASHION), but yet in a sophisticated environment.
42 LAURAU | July-September 2013
What keeps you inspired? “Surrounding myself with successful. happy entrepreneurs. Traveling helps clear and connect, too.”
MMIE SERIES
want a classroom style nor
e a sophisticated environ-
o choose local Houston
dea was to expand the
at Houston has to offer. Al-
o grow their “little black
ting to interact with Hou-
ls. Per edition (as there are
n, speakers and Master of
e to keep seasonal hot top-
2013 July-September|
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Can you give us a peek into what your dream home would look like? I love the French! Classic, chic, and clean.
What is the most exciting opportunity that has come along since you started your business? Truly felt honored to speak at the Rice University MBA Women In What style and tone Leadership Conference would you want to come across in your own dream home? What do you do to I like having grey tones unwind and relax in in the house with pops your spare time in Houston? of color. If I don’t have business obligations then I try to What are your five get away as much as must haves for sumpossible. My quick mer? home away from home, 1. Sun screen, my perKemah. sonal favorite is Skinceuticals What’s your fantasy 2. Fresh Sugar Lip summer vacation 3. Great pair of wedges spot? 4. Anything Nautical! St. Martin. 5. One bag that I can travel with on a whim
44 LAURAU | July-September 2013
BENEFITING: RONALD MCDONALD HOUSTON
DONATION DRIVE
July 19—26 1840 Westheimer Rd. 8 a.m.—6 p.m.
Zazzle.com
Add a touch of masculine and industrial with polished nail heads and studs.
48 LAURAU | July-September 2013 LAURAU 49
2013 July-September|
LAURA U GET THE LOOK | HOUZZ FEA
ATURE
“I
nterior designer Laura
Umansky create a new design inspired by the family's extensive travels around the world and their love of Morocco in particular, adding carved cabinet doors and cabinets, handmade Moroccan -style tiles, bold colors, hammered metal lanterns, textured fabrics, rugs and
“s”
more.
Click here to read the full article:
Houzz Tour: Morocco Meets Texas in a Family Townhouse
See You in
See you in
October 2013!
April 2013
“
Summertime is always the best of “Although one canbe.” go back and make a brand new whatnomight
start, anyone can start from now and make a brand - Charles Bowden new ending.” ― Carl Bard