Laura U Design Studio Embarks on CityCentre Restaurant Design

Houston, TX, August 25, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Houston’s new hot spot, CityCentre, is about to get even more cultured and hip with the new addition of Flora & Muse in late-August. A new European concept for the city, Flora & Muse is a multifaceted bistro with both fast casual and full service dining and lounging options. The CityCentre venue will merge more traditional restaurant elements with jazzy bar elements while also offering fresh flowers, floral arrangements, and a patisserie filled with delectable, freshly baked goods. This soon to be unveiled venue will introduce a new concept to dining and relaxing with a European flare. The resulting interior will prove true to Flora & Muse’s mission: offering a timeless, inviting and stylish multisensory environment to patrons. To create this one-of-a-kind experience, Houston award-wining interior designer and Creative Director of Laura U Design Studio, Laura Umansky, was called on to make this chic bistro possible.

The design team at Laura U had to be very creative in making sure all the elements of Flora & Muse were implemented. To achieve what can only be termed as “versatile,” they combined new furnishings with vintage found pieces. The main goal was to focus on conveying an older, bygone era, while being suitably functional and relevant in today’s world. Vintage settees were recovered with updated fabrics; period-piece frames envelope modernized versions of antique art, booths and banquettes. Crystal chandeliers and sconces, ornate table lamps and several different wallpaper patterns were also used as focal points. Specialty crown molding, trim and wall treatments were used to enhance the effect, including a wall covered with tufted upholstery that adds texture to the room while aiding with the acoustics. Another intricate detail included the custom hand-stenciled, vine patterned ceilings; all focused around four large chandeliers.

So it seems that this talented Houston design firm has done it again. This past May, Laura U was honored by the Houston Business Journal as one of the top 40 business professionals under 40. Even more recently, her designs were featured on the DIY Network House Crashers Texas Edition. And if you were one of the many guests at the well-attended red carpet event this past April, then you also know why Laura U Collection “the furnishings showroom and boutique” was named as the Number One place to shop on Lower Westheimer by Texas Monthly. This trendy boutique which is also home to Laura U Design Studio is filled with unique art, home furnishings and accessories, enough to make any home “En Vogue.”

To find out more information about the opening of Flora and Muse, please contact Katherine Orellana at Studio Communications, (713) 524-2800. To learn more about Laura U, visit (www.laurau.com) or call 713.522.0855. The design studio and furnishings boutique are located at 1840 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77098 in the River Oaks area.

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