The remarkable architectural history of Houston threads its way through all of the neighborhoods our clients call home. With its famed architects and era-defining mid-century abodes, Houston is the proud home of beautiful architecture. And even the newest communities provide the backdrop for a stunning renovation design in Houston! The Woodlands was established in the 1970s and is a distinctly Texas treasure. As a Houston-based residential building and interior design firm, our team works closely with our clients to approach renovation design. We have a deep reverence for history, community, and family-friendly functionality. That is exactly what we did for our East Shore project. Originally built in 2013, our clients purchased the home in 2020 and came to us for a full renovation design.
“When we present the design plan to clients and see them light up with excitement – that’s what I truly love about renovating old spaces. Clients trust us to be as creative as possible to make their home special and our guided design process does just that.” – Gina Elkins, Creative Director
RENOVATION DESIGN PROCESS
. GETTING TO KNOW THE CLIENT .
Our design firm’s guided process emphasizes collaboration and creativity every step of the way to make your home beautiful and functional. When we kick off a new home renovation design in Houston, our designers start with a discovery session to discuss the clients’ style and goals. We also discuss budget and timeline. For our East Shore project, we learned about our client’s love of baking and that she hosts baking classes out of her home, meaning that the kitchen was at the heart of this Houston renovation. As big football fans, it was important for the couple to be able to host friends around a large kitchen island with a view of the TV for game days.
. SITE EVALUATION .
For home renovations, our building design team will walk through your existing home, evaluating the potential for renovation. We provide recommendations for demolition, remodel, or restoration, depending on your specific design goals. At our East Shore project, the team was able to see the current kitchen and surrounding areas to get an understanding of the layout and picture the potential for the space.
. RENOVATION DESIGN .
Whatever the size and scope of your project, this is the stage where our team shares their design ideas. Using inspiration sketches, we present a detailed plan that once approved, will become a full set of construction documents for permitting, pricing, and implementation.
For East Shore, our creative director presented two plans to the homeowners. The first is exactly what they had asked for: a remodeled kitchen. But knowing that these clients like to entertain and spend time with their family, our creative director had another idea to make their home experience the best it could be. This “dream scheme” entailed moving the kitchen about 15 feet and adding a prep kitchen. We added new windows, paneling, and a day pantry to hide the underneath of the staircase. Additionally, we suggested creating a more defined foyer and adding a dynamic paneling design.
The connectivity of the space between the kitchen and the living room was off centerline, making it challenging for entertaining in an open concept. Moving the kitchen would create a natural flow between rooms. Because of the location of the curved stairs, moving the kitchen was going to be difficult, but if you have been following our firm for a while you know our team loves a good challenge. Thankfully, the clients saw the potential of the dream scheme and trusted our team to create a truly beautiful and functional space.
. FINISH & FIXTURE SELECTIONS .
At the Laura U Design Collective, we are extremely collaborative – internally and externally. When it’s time to select finishes and fixtures, our interior design team is already up to speed on the newly renovated home and works with the homeowners on these selections. Even though the original cabinetry was white, the kitchen in the East Shore home had warm and dark accents. By selecting a rich navy tone for the island and cabinetry, incorporating white paneling, and adding new windows for more natural light, the space feels and looks brighter.
At this time we also begin the inspiration stage for furnishings. Often times, clients work with us full-service, from foundation to furnishings, for ultimate design cohesion.
. CONTRACTOR INTERVIEWS & BID EVALUATIONS .
Next, our team conducts interviews with builders and contractors on your behalf. We walk through the contracts to make sure you select the perfect build team for your project. We may also discuss builders and contractors we have successfully worked with in the past to provide you every option you need to make an educated decision about your home. Being in the industry for more than a decade, we deconstruct the jargon so that you can feel confident in moving forward. We liaise with your build team frequently from here on out, allowing you to be as hands-on or as hands-off as you’d like.
. CONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION .
Now it is the time to build! During construction administration, we regularly conduct site evaluations and construction reviews to ensure adherence to the design. We share information collaboratively and transparently during construction, keeping lines of communication open between the entire team. If you are working with the Laura U Design Collective as a full-service client, we review the interior design presentation with you. At this in-person meeting, we will present a room-by-room visualization of your home, including furnishings and decorative pieces, in a digital format. Using samples, fabric swatches, and finishes, we create a tactile representation of your new interior that you can touch and feel.
. FURNISHINGS INSTALLATION .
Once you select your furnishings, our dedicated in-house purchasing agent places and manages your orders. We carefully review each piece as it is received in our warehouse, and if there is any sort of issue (these things do happen!), we manage the returns, credits, and repairs. Once all pieces have been secured in our warehouse and exceptional quality has been verified, we schedule a white glove install. Over the course of a few days, the designers install all the pieces that will finally make your house feel like your new home. We’ll even leave a care binder for your reference, so you know how to maintain the beauty of all your new furnishings.
. AND FINALLY…REVEAL! .
We do everything for the love of home. This is when it all comes together – we pop the champagne and welcome you with a few more surprises as we conduct your initial walk through. It’s time for you to enjoy your newly renovated home. If you are interested in updating your home, contact us here to get started on your renovation design in Houston.
