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    Home design trends

    7 top home renovation ideas for retiring Houstonians to 'age in place'

    Amber Heckler
    Aug 11, 2025 | 11:00 am

    Houston still has a youthful population in 2025, but none of us are getting younger. Older Houstonians who are nearing their retirement years may be contemplating making changes to help ease into the next phase of life. And Houston homeowners who are concerned about getting older in their current homes – but don't want to get caught up in the city's fluctuating real estate market – are finding solutions through home renovations that specifically accommodate for the future.

    Interior design experts Houzz revealed that more than half of all homeowners undertook some type of home renovation in 2024, and the most sought-after upgrades centered around "aging in place," meaning renovations that addressed the future needs of owners as they live in their homes for as long as possible. Renovating could even serve as a financially preferable option for homeowners rather than downsizing or relocating to a retirement community.

    For Houston homeowners who need inspiration to help plan their own home upgrades, Houzz has seven ideas for the best aging in place strategies.

    Widening walkways and doorways
    Having the necessary space to move around comfortably should be a top priority as a person ages. Open concept layouts have spacious features already incorporated into the home's design, but those who have differing home layouts will have a unique challenge to face.

    Houzz recommends spacing out all furniture and fixtures to have wide clearances around them, and suggests widening all walkways and doorways in the house.

    "Pros on Houzz recommend 36-inch doorway openings to provide easier access for mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs," said senior editor Mitchell Parker. "In the kitchen, designers recommend at least 48 inches of clearance between countertops and an island to ensure a safe and accessible work zone."

    Installing continuous and nonslip flooring
    Tripping hazards are a major concern no matter how old someone is, and having a consistent flooring throughout the home drastically reduces any risk to both homeowners and visitors.

    Installing non-slip flooring is crucial for bathrooms and kitchens where there is a heightened likelihood for slipping on wet surfaces. Choosing a classic pebble tile or a matte finish mosaic tile with multiple grout lines are key options for homeowners to improve bathroom floor traction, Houzz says.

    For homes with steps leading up to the entrances, Houzz recommends installing a gently sloped ramp that allows for a smooth transition from outdoors to indoors.

    Having the primary suite on the ground floor
    Single-story homeowners need not fret about this tip, but Houstonians who own two-story houses should consider relocating the primary suite to be on the ground floor for ease of accessibility.

    "It’s important to allow ample room to move comfortably around the bed and furnishings — and to accommodate medical equipment if needed," Parker said. "Pros on Houzz suggest thinking about how to provide fantastic views should one become bedridden, the ability for individuals to move themselves and the ability for others to be able to move them."

    Installing curbless showers
    Curbless showers are a great solution to avoid trip hazards, and it adds to the previous tip about continuous flooring. Those with limited mobility benefit significantly from having a "barrier-free" entry into the shower area, Houzz says.

    Additionally, Houzz's 2024 bathroom trends report found that nearly 40 percent of all renovated bathrooms featured curbless showers, proving that it's a popular upgrade among homeowners.

    Houzz aging in place report, bathroom Curbless showers and shower tile with multiple grout lines improve safety in the bathroom.Photo courtesy of Architecture By George/Avery Nicole Photography

    Various bathroom upgrades
    Houzz recommends several upgrades for improving safety in the bathroom, but specifically highlights installing grab bars, benches, and handheld sprayers in the shower area.

    "Paired with a nearby handheld sprayer, [a bench] allows users to shower while seated with ease and independence," the report said. "It also provides greater functionality for caregivers assisting with bathing. For added convenience and safety, choose models mounted on a slide bar that doubles as a grab bar."

    Grab bars would also be useful near the toilet, but the report warns that making these upgrades will require thorough planning to avoid any possible issues such as the bar ripping off the wall.

    "Structural backing must be installed behind the wall to ensure the bar can safely support weight and pressure during use," the report said.

    Having well-lit spaces and multiple lighting options
    According to the report, having poor lighting in the house combined with diminished eyesight can increase the risk of accidents. Homeowners can help reduce their risk with solutions such as installing recessed ceiling lighting and pendant fixtures, as well as adding under-cabinet lights.

    "Low-level lighting, such as LED strips installed in toekicks, is also a great addition — it softly lights pathways and helps prevent trips and falls during the night," Parker said.

    Houzz aging in place, kitchen

    Photo courtesy of Susan Clouse Interior Solutions/Michael Vaca, The3DPros

    Having abundant lighting in the kitchen can prevent accidents, the report said.

    Installing easy-grip levers and handles
    As one ages, dexterity and grip strength may weaken, so Houzz suggests exchanging the small cabinet knobs commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms for something sturdier like cabinet pulls. Likewise, traditional faucet knobs should be replaced with faucets with lever handles.

    home designhouzzhome design trends
    news/home-design

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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.

    news/home-design
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