We are just days away from early summer weather and endless outdoor entertaining, but is your home ready for the season? From rotating artwork to stocking your pool house to optimizing your outdoor living space, here’s everything you need to do before guests gather in the backyard. If your summer will be spent elsewhere—perhaps abroad amidst the cobblestoned streets of Europe, south of the border on tropical beaches, or up north in a mountain cabin—now is the perfect time to schedule remodeling projects for your main house. Read on to learn all about how to prep your home for summer and which ..read more

From the Art Nouveau Palacio de Bellas Artes to the soaring mid-century Torre Latinoamericana skyscraper to the unparalleled Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico is home to some of the most iconic buildings in the world. Plus, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) in Mexico City has produced many influential architects and designers who are well-regarded internationally. Some Mexican architects are known for the ways in which they leverage Mexico’s rich natural resources while creating sustainable and environmentally-friendly spaces. Others are respected for their interpretations of ..read more

Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show the special women in our lives how much they mean to us. Whether you’re honoring your own mother, your partner, a cherished family member, or a dear friend, this day is about celebrating their love and the powerful influence they have on your life. If you’re looking for a gift that goes beyond the ordinary, our guide has some fantastic suggestions. Maybe she loves gazing out over the garden, or perhaps entertaining is her passion—we have all the inspiration you need in our 2024 Mother’s Day Gift Guide! LUDC Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2024 There’s always a ..read more

In honor of Earth Day, we’re shining a light on sustainability in the interior design industry. Sustainability is a concern for many Americans, and our clients at Laura U Design Collective are no exception. According to Nathan Miller in an article for Forbes, “homebuyers want — and will pay more for — sustainable features like energy-efficient appliances, windows and the like, alongside features that ensure better air quality.” Whether you are renovating your current home or purchasing a new one, here’s how the interior design industry is adapting to ensure your space is healthier and more eco ..read more

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