modern love

8 sleek and stunning modern Houston homes open doors for in-person tour

Houstonians can stroll through eight stunning modern homes on display this weekend, as part of the AIA Houston 2021 Home Tour.

Each was selected by a jury of architectural experts and chosen for its unique qualities, including design excellence, quality and craftsmanship, innovative design solutions and use of materials, and sustainability of design, AIA notes.

"The tour is a unique opportunity to see first hand, and go inside a wonderful range of high quality homes," said Bob Robinowitz, AIA of McIntyre + Robinowitz, chair of this year's home tour, in a press release announcing the event. "The ultimate success of each home is the result of an intense collaboration between each individual homeowner and their architects and builders."

The self-guided tour takes guests through these private residences, all designed by Houston architects.

Here's a map, showing each featured home's location. Tickets for the home tour are $35 for adults, $30 for bike riders and $15 for children 12 and under. (Tickets can be purchased at any of the homes on the tour.) Those interested in touring a single home can do so for $10.

Homes will be open from noon to 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday, October 23 and 24. A little about the homes, including address, designers, and more,per press materials:

Vassar Street Garden House
1323 Vassar St., 77006
Natalye Appel + Associates Architects

Designed to both preserve an incredible live oak tree and incorporate the owners' desire for a garden, 1232 Vassar Street is the epitome of outdoor/indoor living. A greenhouse welcomes guests at the front of the site, and the garden theme is carried through the front entry, which nods heavily to nature and the natural world.

The home features a custom gate made by artist George Sacaris, stunning views of the live oak tree, and clever details that further blur the lines between indoor and outdoor. Look for hardwood floors with a raised grain that accent the live oak tree, outdoor furniture used inside, and technologically advanced greenhouse skylights.

House 2344
2344 Sunset Blvd., 77005
Collaborative Designworks

This exquisite home is the third one Collaborative Designworks created for its owners, and incorporates elements and objects the client acquired living overseas in Malasya. The result is a home that showcases its owners' personalities, as well as offering gorgeous natural light, creating an oasis within the busy city.

Bedrooms are on the ground level, with living, dining and kitchen areas on the second floor. The home feels airy and elegant, with grounds that echo the space's modern vibe. There's an outdoor pool, and also a roof garden, where the owners grow herbs, vegetables, and fruits, along with maintaining a chicken coop. Natural wildflowers dominate the landscaping, ensuring an ever-changing and sustainable outdoor space.

Woodhead Double
4411/4415 Woodhead St., 77098
Collaborative Designworks

With its single common drive, shared mechanical area, and expanded yards, this home couplet showcases modern, urban design. The stucco exterior is accented by shou sugi ban charred cypress siding and textured brick walls and screens.

The inside offers split-level living, with the living, dining and kitchen areas on the second floor. At the top of the home, the bedrooms have balconies with downtown views. The corner house was designed around an old oak tree, and features an expanded children's play area.

Lawrence Street Residence
3007 Lawrence St., 77018
McIntyre + Robinowitz Architects

With its expansive views and natural light, 3007 Lawrence is a contemporary home that reflects its Garden Oaks location's Mid-Century roots. The two-story home boasts a deep lot.

Notably, the U-shaped designed was imagined to block noise from the nearby street and freeway within the pool courtyard, which offers views of the neighboring's homes oak trees. The home was conceived to provide "moment of richness," achieving that in touches like a trellis at the entry and screen porch.

Allston Residence
1427 Allston St., 77008
CONTENT Architecture

Nestled in the heart of the historic Heights, 1427 Allston was designed to embrace the contemporary while blending with the classic bungalows that are its neighbors. There's the gabled roof and deep front porch, nods to the area's original style.

But there's also a seamless connection between kitchen, living and dining space, along with a bar that's roughly the same size as the kitchen, designed so the owners could indulge in their passion for creating craft cocktails and shared experiences with guests. The home is infused with light and color was used extensively to create a space that is open and inviting.

Jackson Residence
1116 Jackson Blvd., 77006
studioMET architects

This open-concept layout evolves over 3,000 square feet in Montrose, adding its own personality and charm to an area known for unique homes. Huge windows connect the home to the covered patio, which leads to the pool, creating a space that's perfect for summertime entertaining.

The two-story living area is anchored by a massive agave, and the kitchen and family room act as the home's central hub. Upstairs, the main bedroom overlooks the backyard and pool, creating a calming retreat. This is home that is simple, elegant, and modern.

Tangley Residence
2325 Tangley St., 77005
studioMET architects

The Southampton stunner is designed around a courtyard, creating an urban oasis. Instead of an open-plan, the home's interior features several spaces that are warm and inviting, capable of serving as either private retreats or gathering spots.

The interior courtyard's pool and water features serve as a focal point. There's even a windowed sleeping area and pet door for the family dog. Expect a sophisticated space that perfectly echoes the needs of its empty-nester owners.

Windemere Residence
2343 Sheridan St., 77030
Inflection Architecture

With an emphasis on family living, this home is designed around a shaded courtyard, featuring an outdoor swim spa. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light, which splashes across the blonde wood floors. This home was created with entertaining in mind, epitomized by the home's graceful flow, offering comfortable spaces for gathering.

The children's bedroom are near the upstairs family room, creating a kid-centric hangout that separates their space from their parents' retreat.

As a family home, touches that make modern family life easier have been incorporated, included a pet feed station in the "super pantry," and a litter cave for the family cats, which is a two-sided, specially created cabinet that opens into the garage.

House 2234 at sunset.

AIA Houston Modern Home Tour 2021 House 2234

Photo courtesy of AIA Houston

House 2234 at sunset.

luxury home-for-sale trends inspiration

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.