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    Dropping House Knowledge

    Look hot, not old: Top Houston designer reveals what to avoid and embrace this year

    Barbara Kuntz
    Barbara Kuntz
    Jan 27, 2015 | 11:01 am

    In this new periodic series, the city's hottest interior designers offer fresh ideas to revive spaces throughout your home, from the kitchen to the bedroom. Let's get started!

    Whether Laura Umansky of Laura U Interior Design is putting the final touches on a Houston home, working with clients at Studio U as they approach "a la carte" or small-scale projects or taking care of customers' wishes at her new Aspen boutique, she and her team always have ears to the ground and eyes wide open for the latest in trends.

    "Working as a seasoned designer, I’m used to the inevitable cycle of coming-and-going trends," she says in a recent post on her blog. "It’s bittersweet when a pattern, color or finish you couldn’t get enough of dwindles from the selections of your favorite vendors. But, I am never disappointed with what the New Year brings."

    Umansky shares with CultureMap what's new and hot . . . and what's old and not. Every year brings with it a new set of design trends.

    In: Green Tones
    "We have always appreciated the beauty of green, but we predict this hue will make more of a splash in 2015," she says. "We particularly love earthy shades of green like olive, and it can be featured on a bold accent wall or as fabric on a fabulous dining chair."

    Out: Chevron
    "We were seeing this pattern on everything from walls to bedding to rugs beginning in 2012 and throughout 2014," Umansky says. "Chevron hit the scene big time, but we don’t think you’ll be seeing much of it these playful zigzags this time around."

    In: Natural Aesthetics
    Watch for chiseled edges, natural wood and unlacquered steel, she says, adding, "Materials in their natural state lend a warm and authentic look. Mix metals such as steel, copper, pewter and brass for a collected feel."

    Out: Big Brass
    The use of brass in large-scale projects is fading from the spotlight and will probably be "outdated," for the time being, before the close of the year. "We love this tone for sure, but see a resurgence of warm platinum tones coming to the forefront," Umansky says.

    In: Photo Filters
    "Photographic images from social media outlets such as Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest will be used as decor even more in 2015," the designer notes. "One client’s stair hall is filled Instagram photos from their family trips and adventures."

    Out: Completely Neutral Rooms
    "While we love a completely neutral room — what is more serene than tone-on-tone cream — we think that the all-white space will be replaced with a more contrasted look this year," Umansky says. "Lots of black lacquer and ebonized woods paired with neutral upholstery will be en vogue.

    "While we love trends, we do rely on them to create our 'Classically Current' spaces. Mixing in the latest trend in a small dose is a fun and easy way to keep your interiors fresh and makes them easy to update when something new hits the scene."

    Take a look through the images above for examples of Umansky's tips as shown through some of her own finished projects.

    In addition to holding a master's degree in architecture from the University of Texas, Umansky is an allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and an associate member of ASID. Laura U was recently awarded Best of Houzz and a space on the prestigious National Gold List by Luxe Magazine.

    The firm holds more than 19 ASID awards for outstanding interiors including Best of Show 2012. Laura has been recognized as both a Leader in Design by the Houston Design Center and Star on the Rise by the Decorative Center Houston.

    Laura Umansky of Laura U Interior Design.

    Laura U, Laura Umansky, interior design
    Photo by © Jill Hunter
    Laura Umansky of Laura U Interior Design.
    unspecified
    news/home-design

    more than floors

    70s revival and layers of style lead design expert's top tile trends

    Emily Cotton
    Jan 16, 2026 | 11:00 am
    Home design trend tile wall Floor & Decor
    Courtesy of Floor & Decor
    In 2026, bold statement tile is reaching far beyond kitchens and bathrooms.

    Year after year, trend forecasting is all the rage come January. From bold flooring to cream-colored kitchens, a pair of themes ties all of 2026’s home design trends together — organic materials and vintage vibes reign supreme.

    This week, economical designer and DIY-weekend-warrior favorite Floor & Decor released its four top style predictions, plus its 2026 “Tiles of the Year.” Interestingly, tile is extending its reach beyond the typical wet space parameters. Think bold statement walls in dining and living rooms, and fun textures and patterns splayed across tabletops. When it comes to tile, 2026 is shaping up to be the year of “why not?!”

    Trends this year draw from a wide range of influences — vintage eras, natural elements, and inventive material combinations — allowing homeowners and designers to reimagine kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces in distinctive ways.

    “We're craving the comfort of nostalgia. Vintage-inspired tile is surging, especially styles that nod to the 70s with warm tones, textures, and patterns,” Ashley Biscan, design and trend expert at Floor & Decor tells CultureMap. “What makes this revival feel current is the balance against clean lines and modern installation, so it feels intentional and pays homage, as opposed to feeling dated.”

    As far as application is concerned, Biscan points out that tiling walls in dining and living rooms is more in line with a renaissance than a revelation. “Although wall tile might seem unconventional in a dining room, it's more traditional than some might think and harkens back to charming design eras,” explains Biscan. “This year, style is all about curating personal statements through layers of texture, pattern, and color in key gathering spaces. Every dinner party needs a conversation piece, after all.”

    Trendy Houstonians and Round Top regulars — arguably cut from the same cloth — have no doubt taken notice of tiled tabletops popping up everywhere from top shops to the see-and-be-scene patio at the new Hotel Daphne in The Heights.

    “Seeing tile used in unexpected places like tabletops or coffee tables reflects a broader shift toward material-driven design and handmade craftsmanship,” says Biscan. “There are durable options that work really well in these formats that are both functional and beautiful and truly one of a kind.”

    Looking to incorporate tile into an unconventional room or furniture piece, but can’t seem to commit? Mixing and matching new tile trends into somewhat of a quilt or tapestry design is not something to fear.

    “Mixing and matching tile is a clever way to enrich a space, add character, and make it personal,” shares Biscan. “To keep an eclectic look cohesive, layer tiles within the same color palette. A popular example with warm neutrals is the combination of depth and texture through natural stone and ceramic zellige combinations.”

    "This year's design trends celebrate both nature's richness and the joy of personal expression," says Biscan. "From earthy palettes and textured materials to layered patterns and tailored combinations, every space can feel thoughtful and dynamic. The Vetta Elements Collection in Luxe Earth captures this spirit perfectly, offering versatile ways to mix colors, textures, and formats for interiors that are both sophisticated and uniquely personal."

    Biscan has named Luxe Earth from the Vetta Elements Collection as the Floor & Decor Tile of the Year. A versatile porcelain tile designed to elevate any space, its rich, earthy tones bring warmth to both indoor and outdoor settings, providing a welcoming foundation. With a mix-and-match approach, homeowners and designers can experiment with sizes, colors, and patterns to craft a personalized look that is durable enough for high-traffic areas yet refined enough for feature walls. Vetta Elements demonstrates how design-forward style and practicality can coexist seamlessly.

    As promised, here is Floor & Decor's 2026 Design Trends Forecast, showcasing interiors that are bold and full of character.

    Retro Rhapsody: 70s Revival with Modern Edge
    Warm nostalgia meets contemporary polish as the spirit of the 1970s reenters the home. Saturated hues, sculptural forms, and rich wood finishes create spaces that feel expressive yet intentional. Deep ambers, soft burgundies, and smoky neutrals pair with geometric patterns, curved silhouettes, and tactile materials to bring depth and personality to kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. When balanced with clean lines and refined finishes, these retro influences feel inviting and distinctly current.

    Crème Brûlée Kitchens: Warm Neutrals Reimagined
    The classic white kitchen is being refreshed through toasted neutrals, with layers of vanilla, eggshell, and Swiss Coffee bringing warmth and depth to the heart of the home without sacrificing brightness. Subtle tonal variation across cabinetry, surfaces, and finishes creates a cohesive, elevated look that feels timeless yet indulgent.

    Lush Landscape: Organic Depth and Texture
    Natural influence is taking a more textural, tonal form. Colors drawn from earth, sand, and sky are interpreted through layered finishes and pronounced surfaces, adding richness and dimension to interiors with material-driven spaces and an emphasis on depth and organic continuity.

    Eclectic Artistry: Personalized Layers of Style
    Mix eras, textures, and patterns to create bold and unexpected combinations that tell a story with nods to the past. Intentional combinations of color and material create spaces that feel layered and unmistakably personal.

    news/home-design
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