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    Midtown architecture

    Arts hub or hip grocery store? Renderings of Independent Arts Collaborativespace have an industrial edge

    Joel Luks
    May 24, 2012 | 1:48 pm
    • Plan for the Independent Arts Collaborative were drawn by Lake/Flato Architects,the same agency that designed H-E-B Montrose.
    • The foyer could be used also for social gatherings, outdoor performances andmedia screenings.
    • But there are concerns about the visual art facilities not being sufficient.

    If the newly-released renderings for the proposed Independent Arts Collaborative give rise to feelings of deja-vu, it's because a much-larger twin was erected already on the corner of Alabama and Dunlavy. There, you may have shopped for fruit, sushi and toilet paper — and who's to say the same type of architecture can't nurture artistic endeavors?

    H-E-B Montrose, meet the IAC, a new community complex in Midtown on Main Street across from the Ensemble/HCC Metro Rail Station, that aims to become a creative hub for small to mid-size art nonprofits.

    Both plans were drawn by Lake/Flato Architects, so it's to no surprise that chatter indicates others have noticed also the striking resemblance.

    The foyer could be used also for social gatherings, outdoor performances and media screenings.

    Using heavy-duty materials like perforated metal panels and exposed steel in an effort to craft a "cool" space — though not quite a seasoned warehouse appearance like DiverseWorks Arts Space and Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex (as Glasstire points out), two groups which signed a letter of commitment to move forward with the IAC — the building is akin to an outdoor mall outfitted with display cases for art where otherwise retail merchandise would tease passersby.

    They call it "industrial edge."

    An al fresco breezeway lobby separates two indoor structures. The foyer could be used also for social gatherings, outdoor performances and media screenings. Such a feature adds great functionality to what is wasted in more traditional construction.

    Lake/Flato claims that dehumidified conditioned air will be pushed out to such outdoor foyer from the indoor areas simply by the volume of people entering the theaters, and that large oscillating fans will help create a "microclimate that will be perceived as a pleasant oasis even during the heat of Houston summers."

    "The IAC design is very thoughtful on theater space, and how those areas interact with one another. In terms of gallery space, that needs more refinement. This is just a starting point."

    Perhaps the San Antonio-based designers haven't spent a day in the sweltering Houston heat, in the abhorrent humidity, dripping in sweat before seeking shelter in a commercial walk-in freezer.

    The present 59,000-square-foot layout accommodates a flexible box theater (80 by 65 feet for up to 350 seats), a large black box theater (55 by 65 feet for up to 160 seats), a medium black box theater (45 by 53 feet for up to 155 seats) and a small black box theater (33 by 37 feet for up to 100 seats), in addition to one medium and one small visual arts gallery, and three long and narrow glass indoor reception hallways set against the theaters. Those hallways also double as visual art exhibits that can be enjoyed from outside. Administrative offices are on the second floor.

    There are concerns about the visual art facilities not being sufficient, yet.

    "The IAC design is very thoughtful on theater space, and how those areas interact with one another," Elizabeth Dunbar, DiverseWorks executive director, tells CultureMap. "In terms of gallery space, that needs more refinement. This is just a starting point."

    For Opera in the Heights, the lack of an orchestra pit is a concern, though no decisions have been made whether its exclusion will be the determinant factor of the company's involvement.

    The Collaborative is encouraging conversation in its Facebook page. Share your thoughts, concerns and wishes. The committees want to hear from you, and that can only be a good thing.

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    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.

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