Untitled Art Buying Guide

What to see and where to shop at Houston's new contemporary art fair

The hotly-anticipated debut of the Miami-based Untitled Art fair is in full swing. The loss of Houston’s annual Texas Contemporary Arts Fair left artists, collectors, and dilettantes alike wondering whether a city well documented for its museums, galleries, and artistic installations could long be without an annual contemporary arts show — alas, we’ve been saved.

Held at the George R. Brown Convention Center from Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 21, the 150,000-square-foot show features 88 exhibitors from Texas and beyond displaying works for sale to experienced collectors and novices alike. Untitled Art stands out from other mammoth-sized, multi-day events of its caliber by its commitment to accessibility for young artists, galleries, nonprofits, and beginner collectors. The “Nest” program offers subsidized booth space and entry for those who would find participation in traditional art shows wildly cost-prohibitive. What does that mean for Houstonians who are deciding whether or not to attend the show? At Untitled Art, there are pieces that folks can actually afford.

“From diverse styles to a wide range of prices, Untitled Art truly feels like a gift to Houston — an immersive experience that inspires from the moment you step in,” Untitled Art host committee member and BeDesign CEO Adrian Dueñas tells CultureMap. “With commissions available and pieces for all tastes, the fair proves that art is both subjective and approachable, a remarkable celebration where everyone can find their place.”

The notion that an art show has the potential to be shopable for more than the 1-percent opens the door to Houstonians viewing works of art to potentially purchase for their actual homes, and boy, is that exciting. The sprawling nature of the show can be intimidating for some, especially if a particular style is preferable — where to start? Whether one subscribes to traditional genres, or is, perhaps, looking to dabble in the “wrong art theory,” here are suggestions for the artists to shop for specific genres for the home, as well as some insider information.

How to view and shop the show

Unlike the sterile, “ice cube tray” layout of traditional art shows, where artwork can only be viewed from a few feet away, Untitled Art enlisted architect Jay Colombo of Michael Hsu Office of Architecture to design an interior that allows artists the visual space to have pieces viewed from numerous angles and distances.

Tuesday evening, Colombo participated in a panel discussion titled “The Intersection of Art & Architecture” at Summit, the 28th-floor event space in Skanska’s shiny, new, and eco-friendly Norton Rose Fulbright Tower. This Untitled Art satellite event allowed Colombo to share his vision for the overall design of the show, as well as what visitors can expect of their experience:

At some point [in a traditionally designed show] you lose the sense of space, and you lose where you are — you lose a sense of place that establishes you. Let’s try something different. I liked the idea of a piazza. Instead of linear lines, it’s a series of piazzas. There is a center moment, and then there is a ring of galleries. So, you should be able to stand in a piazza and turn 360 degrees and take in a dozen different gallery spaces.

It basically creates a moment and there is a sight line that guides you to the next piazza, and then the next piazza, and you keep moving through the space. But there is a gesture and motion that pulls you around from start to finish, and there should be a memory moment that locks you in and says: ‘Oh, yeah! This is the place! This is where I saw that artist and wanted to go back to it [the booth]!’

Categories and price points

Most Affordable

The Nest program that enabled small businesses, galleries, and nonprofits to participate in the show is the driving force behind “Artist Market.” The brainchild of F Gallery owner Adam Marnie, “Artist Market” is where show goers can pick up affordable art, ceramics, books, stationary, and more while supporting local businesses.

“I think of it as a craft or art book fair inside of this fair,” says Marnie. “The vendors are paying a lower price to participate, so it gives guests a lower price to be able to participate in purchasing things.”

Local favorite Reeves Gallery has works from $295 to $3,000, with the bulk of their offerings in the $500 range—this is also the place to pick up framed vintage pieces as well. They’ve listed their entire Artist Market collection here. Montrose staple Basket Books & Art has a fine selection of books, plus works by local artists for $200, half of which goes to The Women’s Storybook Project of Texas. Other participants include Film Lab, Jardin, Rising Tide Project, Picnic Surfshapes, St. Agnes Academy’s New Media Arts Program, plus excellent free library Reading Room HTX.

The following is a selection of exhibiting galleries from different genres and price points to be able get a glimpse of what to expect from the show. Pricing is as follows: “affordable” galleries ($1,200+) are marked “$,” “average” priced galleries ($5,000+) are marked “$$,” and “expensive” ($35,000+) galleries are marked “$$$.” Galleries offering works from Texas artists will be marked with an asterisk (*). Find a map showing all of the galleries here.

Contemporary Abstract: Jessica Silverman Gallery ($$$), Mindy Solomon Gallery* ($$$), Sicardi | Ayers | Bacino ($$$), Arden + White Gallery ($$).

Organic: Moody Gallery* ($$), Yossi Milo ($$$), The Mission Projects ($$), Carvalho ($$), SGR Galeria ($), La Loma ($$).

Portraiture: Marc Bibiloni ($$$), Half Gallery* ($$), El Apartamento* ($$).

Fun and Fantastical: YOD Gallery ($), Keijsers Koning* ($$), ABC - Arte ($$), Philip Martin Gallery* ($$$), Patel Brown ($$).

Black Artists: PDNB Gallery* ($), Colector* ($$), Bond Contemporary ($$$).

Author’s Favorites: Half Gallery ($$), YOD Gallery ($), The Mission Projects ($$), Arden + White Gallery ($$), Carvalho ($$), Patel Brown ($$), SGR Galeria ($).

Photo by Amanda Veselovsky.

Text-based collaborative works offer whimsical delights at Patel Brown.

home-design visual-art shopping

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.