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    London calling

    Houston antique store embraces the timeless charm of Chesterfields

    Emily Cotton
    Jun 13, 2024 | 11:41 am

    Imitation may be the highest form of flattery, but as Marvin Gaye once sang, “Ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby.” Just about as classic as a sofa’s silhouette can be, the Chesterfield has reigned supreme for hundreds of years. While pressboard and polyurethane versions are simple enough to source from fast-fashion style vendors, they lack that subtle scent of leather and conditioner that lets one know—this is the real deal.

    Chesterfield House was built in 1752 (sadly demolished in 1937) by popular politician and trendsetter Lord Philip Stanhope, Fourth Earl of Chesterfield. Desiring furniture that would keep his guests’ suits from wrinkling while seated, he designed and commissioned sofas with low seats and high backs—‘et violà! Slight tweaking in the Victorian era accounts for the exaggerated tufting that we know and love about the Chesterfield today. The sofas were then solidly cemented into the contemporary psyche by psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud’s well documented use of the Chesterfield at the turn of the 20th century.

    England is approximately 4,500 miles away, but happily, an abundance of their Chesterfields are not. Tucked into a charming courtyard space in Old Town Spring, Chesterfield enthusiast Derrick Spain transports shoppers across the pond through his antique store, Reclaimed Leather.

    Reclaimed Leather interior

    Reclaimed Leather/Facebook

    Located in Old Town Spring, Reclaimed Leather sells restored sofas and other antiques.

    Imported mostly from “estate clearance companies in the UK,” these antique sofas and chairs are restored to their original luster and charm by Spain and his team, ready to be sold in the store, on their website, or through their online storefront with designer marketplace Chairish.

    Prior to opening Reclaimed Leather seven years ago, Spain operated an auction house along with several spaces in antique malls. When asked how he became a professional leather restorationist, Spain tells CultureMap that he “learned by doing first, lots of trial and error. Eventually, I was classically trained in the art of leather Chesterfield restoration in the UK.”

    Why Chesterfields? “I just love the classic style and richness of the look,” he says.

    Along with Chesterfields, Reclaimed Leather sells antiques of all sorts. Beautiful bookcases, bars, cabinets, art, and decor find their places among the leather goods.

    Recently, Spain added a members-only club to the rear of the building, complete with a private entrance, liquor lockers, an honor bar for mixers, plus the usual amenities. With a very fitting name, The Chesterfield Arms has been a long time coming.

    “It’s something I’ve been wanting to do for years. It’s modeled after private clubs in England,” Spain says. “People have always tried to rent out the store for events or photo shoots, so it was the next logical evolution to my business. I’m a natural people person and love being the center of attention so it just works for me to have a place and a venue to do that. I’m looking to turn the entire store into the social club and only sell the merchandise online and to members and their guests.”

    It’s one thing to get people through the door, but Spain has all but guaranteed that, once there, everyone wants to stay for a while. That’s another skill all in itself. The shop emits an aroma of books, leather, and a mix of unidentifiable incense that would not be out of place in a Le Labo perfumery. Nice touch!

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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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