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    Elite Enclave

    Opulent River Oaks palace boasting celeb party past hits market at $16 million

    Holly Beretto
    Nov 18, 2021 | 3:55 pm

    When is a house more than a house? When it's a 21,000-plus-square-foot party palace formerly owned by Baron Ricky di Portanova and Baroness Alessandra di Portanova, where Roger Moore once turned up by helicopter and models in cat suits rappelled down the side of it.

    Listed at $16 million and represented by Nancy Almodovar, CEO of Nan and Company Properties Christie's International Real Estate, the eye-popping extravaganza at 2115 River Oaks Blvd. is a must-see-to-believe experience.

    Baron di Portanova, a grandson of Houston oil magnate Hugh Roy Cullen, came to Houston from Italy in the 1960s to claim his inheritance. He revamped this mansion at 2115 River Oaks Blvd. after his bid to buy New York's iconic 21 Club for his wife (as a birthday gift, no less) fell through.

    The di Portanovas were bright lights on the Houston social scene and held court from this astonishing property. The baron died in 2000, and the River Oaks mansion was last on the market in 2014, as we reported.

    Now, it's for sale again, following a mega $7 million renovation. The seven-bedroom, eight-bath manse was taken down to the studs and completely remodeled and automated.

    Enter the home into a sweeping foyer with dramatic marble columns and flooring, beckoning guests through elegant archways. A sweeping staircase with iron railings pulls the eye upward toward a stunning chandelier. The marble-floored first floor sitting room is anchored by an iron spiral staircase that leads upstairs.

    One of the home's most opulent elements is the 12,000-square-foot indoor pool area. A stunning blue pool centers the space, which saw some of Houston's best parties back in the day.

    Areas for seating and dining surround the pool, creating spaces for everything from a casual breakfast to an all-out bash. The whole space is enclosed under a glass panel ceiling. And, of course, there is an adjacent secondary kitchen that offer bar seating and high-end appliances.

    Gold detailing accents the fireplace in the great room, a huge projection screen is the focal point of the media room, which opens out onto the pool area via wooden doors. Mahogany paneled walls line the study, which also boasts custom shelving.

    Upstairs, find the primary suite with its concave ceiling, sitting area with built-in bookshelves, and a balcony overlooking the pool. Dual sinks and a deep soaking tub highlight the primary bath. Secondary bedrooms feature their own en-suite baths.

    The home's lush landscaping allows for an outdoor space that's perfect for entertaining. A private courtyard with a fountain offers unparalleled beauty. Sitting on a 43,973 square-foot lot, 2115 River Oaks Blvd. is accessed via a secured wrought-iron gate. It is a home with a history that includes a revolving door of bold-faced names. Yet it remains, first and foremost, a home.

    And it's one waiting for the next generation of occupants to put its own stamp on these elegant rooms.

    A clean, open kitchen.

    2115 River Oaks Blvd.
    Photo by TK Images
    A clean, open kitchen.
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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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