Rosé All Day

With the help of interior design doyenne Laura Umansky, a stylish young professional finds herself right at home in the new River Oaks tower.

Kerry Kirk
Bedroom Full
Bedroom Full

What do you get when you marry an impeccable sense of style with an atmosphere of entertainment? Perhaps a cocktail party — or perhaps a sensationally fun new project by interior designer Laura Umansky at The River Oaks luxury highrise. 


Umansky, whose work has been featured in myriad national publications such as Veranda, Architectural Digest and Domino, prides herself in creating luxurious spaces that scream boldly of her clients’ personalities and passions. Which is why she got pinged by a fashionable single finance professional who had just purchased a 2,200-square-foot, two-bedroom condo in the newly renovated Westheimer building designed by EDI International and Rottet Studio. 

Designer Laura Umansky’s favorite touch — a rounded chair by Caracole near the window.Designer Laura Umansky’s favorite touch — a rounded chair by Caracole near the window.

“She entertains quite a bit, so it needed to be comfortable, a place where people could come and relax for a very long time,” says Umansky, whose team members Letecia Ellis Haywood and Shannon Smith also designed the space. Thanks to Rottet Studio’s chic selection of contemporary architectural materials, there were great bones. The Laura U team opened up the living and dining area to be more “conversational.” It became the true centerpiece of the home, a sophisticated space with bold pops of color, all framed by floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of Downtown. Custom pieces here include jewel-tone swivel chairs in a dark aubergine Trikes fabric; the ivory Adriana Hoyos sofa was accented by Laura U custom pillows and flanked by Bernhardt accent chairs. “There really wasn’t a place to put the television without turning her back to the view,” says Umansky, “so we ended up floating a console and having the TV float in the window.”

Laura U designed the living room with entertaining in mindLaura U designed the living room with entertaining in mind

The team built the dining room around a custom table with a walnut base by El Dorado Woodworks, topped with marble by Aria Stone. The chairs, made to the homeowner’s specifications of comfort and scale, are upholstered in Holly Hunt and Kravet fabrics in a combination of metallic blush and Champagne to balance out the cobalt and navy palette from the living room. 

The dining room features an Aria Stone marble-topped table and custom oversize chairsThe dining room features an Aria Stone marble-topped table and custom oversize chairs

In the master bedroom, “she wanted something more hotel-style, really luxurious,” says Smith. So the team designed the bed — outfitted in custom linens by Plush Home — with an upholstered headboard wall in velvet fabric from Schumacher. Wall sconces by Gabriel Scott add a touch of feminine drama. But Umansky’s favorite touch is a large rounded chair by Caracole and custom ottoman, situated near the window. 

In the master bathroom, a top-down shade in Jane Churchill fabric lets in natural light while offering privacyIn the master bathroom, a top-down shade in Jane Churchill fabric lets in natural light while offering privacy

For the master bath, the team had a different goal: a spa-like ambiance to serve as a retreat from the high-drama elsewhere in the home. But a Kate Spade light fixture above the tub adds a hint of glam, a necessary component for this homeowner. “The client loves fashion and her clothing is remarkable,” says Umansky. “The day we revealed the house together, she walked in and her dress was the perfect color tone to match the entire interiors. The space looked very much like her.”

AT TOP: The master bedroom features a custom upholstered headboard wall in blue velvet

Home + Real Estate
Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less

AS WE MOVE into Movember, men’s mental health is a big topic. In fact, men can get a lot of benefit, both mentally and physically by taking advantage of everything a spa has to offer. LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa, has the answers

How does Escape Spa cater to men? We designed Escape Spa to ensure both men and women feel comfortable and welcome. From our earth tones to our luxury brown unisex robes, this is not a pampering palace but a rejuvenation destination.

Keep Reading Show less

Jessica and Ryan Getz, Grace Ward

HOUSTON NONPROFIT Dec My Room threw a country-music-filled bash at House of Blues, where supporters two-stepped the night away and raised record-breaking proceeds, which will be used to decorate and customize hospital rooms of pediatric and young-adult patients all over the country. To date, the organization has improved the attitudes and healing process of 18,000 patients in nearly 200 hospitals.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties