High Style In River Oaks

Most beautiful mansion in River Oaks? Veranda magazine thinks so, Houston designer applauded

Copies of the July-August issue of Veranda magazine began arriving in Houston mailboxes and no one was more thrilled with the issue than J. Randall Powers. The decorator landed the coveted cover position and has more than 13 glossy pages inside, all devoted to the grand River Oaks residence of Sheridan and John Eddie Williams.

The magazine headline heralds that Powers (Randy to friends and clients), "crafts a monumental house in Houston that balances the principles of classic design with a gracious sense of intimacy."

This was Powers' fourth cover including Elle Decor and continues his run of postings in virtually every interior design magazine in the country from Architectural Digest to Luxe.

"This was probably, to date, one of my most fun projects ever because we just got along really, really well," Powers said.

"This was probably, to date, one of my most fun projects ever because we just got along really, really well," Powers said after a walk-through of the vast residence, during which he couldn't resist straightening a side table, fluffing a pillow.

Powers describes the decor as sophisticated but livable. "This house is so wonderful and grand and this is totally who they are, but really nothing in a lot of ways about who they are, because they want the grandkids to be able to skate down the hallway and they're never gone to say that's an issue," Powers says. "But at the same time, they're going to hold a gala."

In fact, the Williamses have entertained President Obama and Sen. Nancy Pelosi at their new home, where they have lived for two years. While that was all very fancy, the couple's egalitarian nature is always evident. For example, when the house was completed after several years of building, they invited the virtual army of contractors and subs over for a celebratory backyard feast.

While the magazine coverage is filled with details of the design effort, the piece de resistance has to be the dining table by Rose Tarlow, the high priestess of furniture design. The 17-foot table, which seats 26, required two visits to Tarlow studios in Los Angeles and working directly with the artist who created the raised fish. Yes, 22-karat gold gilded fish that swim the surface of the table. The piece is mahogany with a tete de negre finish, "the truest form of lacquer," Powers says.

You won't see Powers' favorite area of the house, however, in the magazine — the upper gallery. "It's so incredibly detailed but quiet. That's another thing I love about this house. Nothing screams."

The Cleve Gray abstract provides a touch of color in the family room which enjoys a light and airy feeling.

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more than floors

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

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.