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    i can see clearly

    Round Top’s smash hit wireless lamps light up Houston patios this summer

    Emily Cotton
    May 30, 2025 | 12:30 pm

    As chic, bolo-tied and Fraulein-booted Houstonians descended upon the Round Top Spring Show in March, it wasn’t the array of antiques that had tongues wagging. The trendiest tents, barns, and perfectly-curated, invite-only cocktail hours and dinner parties all had one thing in common — the lighting!

    Creatively-shaped jute pendants hung from sprawling Live Oak branches and barn beams, colorful floor lamps illuminated pastoral pop-up lounges, and dozens of whimsical lamps topped tables, with nary a power source in sight. New rechargeable technology by British brand Pooky Lighting was the culprit. Everyone clambered to get their hands on it, but the products hadn’t hit the market yet. Last week, however, that dream came true. The long-awaited Novogratz x Pooky collection of wireless outdoor lighting is finally available to the public, and it’s electrifying.

    Power source constraints have long been the Achilles heel of homeowners attempting to add a little zhuzh to their outdoor spaces, relegated to incorporating zigzagging bistro lights and bland metallic tabletop options from big box stores. This stylish new collaboration allows indoor styling in outdoor spaces — and it’s actually affordable. With the priciest item in the collection topping out at just $425, expect to see this Round Top favorite popping up in tree branches and pergolas all over Houston. Not to mention impromptu sunset picnics in Menil Park — très chic!

    Known for their color-forward approach to design, Robert and Cortney Novogratz’s brand, simply “The Novogratz,” has produced a fresh and sophisticated 14-piece collection for Pooky Lighting that blends traditional silhouettes with contemporary color. Utilizing their own playful “Antonine” fabric design in four colorways, including a delicate vintage pink option they’ve called “Blush,” there is something for everyone.

    "We couldn't be more excited about our partnership with Pooky, drawing inspiration from our love of vibrant colors and outdoor living with hints of mid-century design. The collection beautifully blends our colorful, contemporary style with Pooky's elegant twist on traditional lighting, resulting in pieces that feel both fresh and sophisticated,” says Cortney Novogratz.

    “What I love most is how we've brought much-needed color to outdoor spaces — especially that vintage-toned pink — and the way the cordless technology allows these stunning designs to enhance any gathering without limitations.”

    The collection is available in four colorways: Blush, Denim, Moss, and Sand. The traditional-leaning “Stefan” lanterns come in small ($175), medium ($225), and large ($350). For a hanging application, color-matched lantern hooks are available for $50. Sure to be a hit at just $170, the “Tallulah” Jute Basket Pendant Lights add playful elegance to al fresco dining. The “Holleder” Standing Lamp sits at the top of the price range at $425, while the coordinating table lamp sits at $175. The second cordless table lamp option, “Oscar,” is $125. Three wall sconce styles are available: “Agnes” ($125), “Brandy” ($70), and the “Bellamy” Candle Sconce that is available in a brass finish for $95.

    In addition to the lighting options, the collection includes decorative accents, such as the “Brandy” mirror ($395) for making sure everything is “just so” on balmy Bayou City nights, “Heidi” solar light strings ($165), and dinner candles packed in pairs for $5. Lampshades featuring The Novogratz “Antonine” fabric come in various sizes, in either Blush, Cappuccino, Seaview, or Sunshine (starting at $50).

    Mix and match colors, styles, and shades for a bold, Maximalist look, or keep things clean and simple with a matching set, the possibilities are endless. Integrate hanging lanterns into a front yard landscaping theme, place floor lamps near the pool—toss out the rule book!

    “We love how this collection encourages people to accessorize their outdoor space in the same creative way as their indoor rooms….the old rules of lighting no longer apply,” Pooky Lighting chief creative officer Jo Plant says. “There’s no reason why you can’t have a standing statement lamp next to your favorite lounger, or colorful table lamps and lamp shades over your outdoor dining table. We’re celebrating the joys of outdoor living and who better to do that with than The Novogratz who love color and pattern as much as we do.”

    Pooky Lighting Novogratz collection

    Photo by Amy Neunsinger

    Cortney Novogratz proves nighttime picnics with the pups are easy with Stefan lanterns.

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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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