University Place is located in the well-sought-after community, West University in Houston, TX. West University was originally developed in 1917 and by the early 1940s, the community was among the fastest growing cities in the country. With streets names after influential writers and large oak trees lining the streets, this is an idyllic place to raise a family.
It’s here that the team at the Laura U Design Collective found their latest project, transforming a space from a formal, French aesthetic to the casual, “livable luxury” you see here. Over email, the designers told us more.
Tell us about this home!
Originally built in 2013, our University Place project sits on a unique, 13,000 SQ FT lot complete with a large, turfed back yard, picturesque pool, and a pergola outfitted with an outside kitchen. The home was a French-modern style that did not match our clients’ aesthetic. We partnered with Davis Builders Group to renovate the interior of the home to create a tailored sophisticated and livable design for the family.
We’d love to know a bit about your clients.
The homeowners are a busy, young family of three, plus one doggo. The family moved to the West University area from California and lived in a previous home in the area, but it was not functional for a family. Their goal was to have a functional and comfortable home, with hand-crafted and high-end selections. Throughout the home you will see organic textures and a color palette loosely inspired by the California coast.
Their daughter showed a lot of interest in the process. How was it having her included in design meetings?
Their little girl loved participating in the design decisions, and we were able to really capture her personality in her space. From a custom pink ombre mural to scalloped details, her room is the sweetest space where she can be creative and sleep in style.
Did this project have any challenges? If so, could you tell us how you overcame a few of the hurdles?
The kitchen vent hood & island had too much going on visually with a stainless vent hood flanked by pendants. The home was also had more French and traditional details than clients wanted for their California Casual style. We designed a new surround for the vent hood in a soft white plaster. The kitchen finishes were all updated as well with an artisan backsplash tile, painted millwork, and a waterfall edge at the island to give it more clean and contemporary lines.
Take a tour in the slideshow.
