For homeowners who have an existing deck, or for those considering building one, we have some creative and fun ideas for you! With people enjoying their homes more, taking “staycations,” and work-from-home scenarios, we’ve seen more families spending more time outside. A deck is the perfect way to appreciate fresh air, nature, and healthy sunlight. We’ll check out some innovative designs for your deck. With the exception of a few of these, most of these upgrades or tweaks are easy to do. A couple of them are a little more involved. You will get more out of your recreational (and yes, calming ..read more

Whether embraced as bold accents or as a soothing neutral base, green hues offer a versatility and timelessness unmatched by other colors. The color green can transform a space in countless ways—from the subtle whispers of sage that ground a room in earthy calm to the jewel-toned emerald that makes any interior feel elegant and luxurious. With the right guidance, green can adapt to reflect our unique aesthetics, enhance the mood of each room, and connect our living spaces to the natural world. Read on to learn how you can use green as a neutral or as an accent in your own home. How to Use Gree ..read more

From the hustle and bustle of Houston to the serene mountain air of Aspen, LUDC’s twin hometowns offer a plethora of charming restaurants perfect for a memorable date night. The ideal date night spot? Think mouthwatering cuisine, cozy corners with flickering candlelight, gorgeous interiors, and service that makes you feel like the only two people in the room. From Casa D’Angelo to Xochi, let’s explore some of the most intimate and enchanting eateries in both Aspen and Houston. Fall in love all over again—with your city and your partner! The Most Romantic Restaurants in Houston & Aspen Casa ..read more

Whether you are renovating a kitchen and butler’s pantry or updating your primary bath, nothing beats the charm and functionality of custom cabinets. Of course, designing bespoke millwork and installing custom storage solutions requires quite a bit more than a trip to your local hardware store—it demands the expertise and dedication of an experienced design team. By collaborating with skilled professionals, homeowners ensure that every aspect of their custom cabinets is meticulously crafted to meet their unique needs and preferences. Read on to learn more about what’s involved in crafting cust ..read more

Valentine’s Day has evolved into so much more than a commercial holiday. It symbolizes commitment, appreciation, and mutual understanding. The love you share with your partner is unique and profound, so why should your Valentine’s Day gift be any different? In this article, we offer a curated selection of gift ideas designed to resonate with your loved one. Whether your goal is to delight with beauty, inspire with creativity, or touch the heart with something deeply personal, each item and experience in our Valentine’s Day Gift Guide will elevate your expression of love to an art form. Persona ..read more

As the first month of 2024 comes to a close, homeowners considering a house remodel are understandably concerned about the changing costs associated with those projects. Today’s home remodeling landscape has been shaped by the economic and industry shifts of preceding years. The interplay of factors like fluctuating material costs, labor market variations, and overarching economic trends—including interest rates and inflation—sculpts the financial landscape of home remodeling in 2024. In this post on The Journal, we hope to offer homeowners a clear, factual perspective to make informed decisio ..read more

From the incorporation of eco-friendly materials and minimalist designs to the resurgence of vintage aesthetics and the integration of multifunctional elements, fireplace designs are becoming more personalized and integral to interior design. A custom fireplace not only enhances the visual appeal of indoor and outdoor living spaces but also caters to practical considerations of energy efficiency and space utilization. In this post on the Journal, we take a look at the latest trends in fireplace mantelpieces, surrounds, and hearths. We also weigh the pros and cons of electric, gas, and traditio ..read more

As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, it’s time to reflect on our journey over the last twelve months. For Laura U Design Collective, this year has been one of creativity, community, and unwavering commitment to excellence in interior design. From embracing the year’s most captivating trends to completing projects that resonate with our firm’s ethos while reflecting our clients’ personalities, we have navigated the year with grace and enthusiasm. (And who can forget when our firm went viral for this reel about the invisible light switches and gorgeous textured wall covering featured i ..read more

In this season of warmth and celebration, we view selecting the perfect gift for a gracious hostess as an absolute art form. From adorable olive-embroidered cocktail napkins to a charming tea kettle perfect for an after-dinner wind-down, we have curated an array of exquisite gifts that transcend the ordinary and are sure to delight your holiday hostess. Each gift on this list was selected to reflect our appreciation for their hospitality this season, enhancing each festive gathering with a touch of sophistication, style, and whimsy. This guide is an ode to those who create memorable occasions ..read more

Color psychology—a field at the intersection of psychology and design—examines how colors influence human emotions and behaviors. For interior designers, this understanding is pivotal, as the choice of color palette can significantly impact the ambiance of a space and the psychological well-being of its occupants. In this article, we explore how color psychology informs current trends in interior design—highlighting its role in shaping environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to the desired emotional and psychological responses. Understanding the nuances of colo ..read more