In basketball, great teams tend to win with an almost musical rhythm, from point guards setting the pace with fluid passes to moments of drama that can bring even a packed stadium instantly to its feet. Step inside the Texas home of Tilman J. Fertitta and his wife, Lauren, and you may sense a similar choreography at work. As sole owner of Fertitta Entertainment, his holdings include the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casinos and Montage Laguna Beach. He also currently serves as the United States Ambassador to Italy and San Marino. Their designer, Benjamin Johnston, orchestrated singular decor that balances quieter details with splashier ones, taking inspiration from life at sea. “We are drawn to the refined interiors of luxury yachts, characterized by sleek contours, bespoke detailing, and luxurious modern materials,” Lauren says. “Benjamin captured our aesthetic—and then some!”

The game plan began with the art. “Our clients’ monumental Alex Katz paintings in the upper gallery set the tone from the start,” Johnston explains. “Their sunny yellow backgrounds and graphic color became the perfect jumping-off point for bold choices throughout the home.”

Johnston complemented the canvases with a towering light fixture. “The custom chandelier in the home’s stair hall was an element we had to get right,” he recalls. “At roughly six feet square and nearly 14 feet tall, the modern crystal form is suspended by slender steel cables, so it appears to float. In a room with such volume, a dramatic piece like this helps bring the scale down and makes the space feel more intimate.” The result is both architectural and ethereal, catching light from every angle.

Elsewhere, art continues to set the tempo. In the family room, sculptures by Texas artist Claire Ankenman are set above the hearth. “Made of colored glass and acrylic, their boatlike forms refract the light beautifully as it changes throughout the day,” Johnston says. The wall hangings shimmer and shift with the sunlight. “In her office, we grouped several of [Ankenman’s] smaller artworks together, letting their rich palette of reds, corals, pinks, and yellows inspire the room’s textiles. Suspended above is a striking lighting installation by U.K.-based maker Cameron Design House.”

Red, the color of the Rockets’ uniforms, is a go-to hue for the homeowners, and Johnston was encouraged to bring it into the interior scheme. The designer admits that the color is a bold choice and it wouldn’t have been his first preference, however it was important to the couple that it be incorporated throughout. But, he adds, “I completely love the way it ended up being the thread that wove its way throughout the entire property.” It appears strategically across the home, giving the interiors a through line of color and energy.

“We love that, despite the house’s size, it still feels intimate,” Lauren says. “The living room, especially, is cozy and relaxing. The interiors are modern, elegant, and sophisticated, yet with our artwork thoughtfully placed, there’s a sense of playfulness and a touch of whimsy throughout. We travel frequently, so it’s especially meaningful to return home to a space that feels personal and showcases the collections we’ve gathered over time.”

Neutral moments reinforce the feeling of calm. In the living room, blond-oak paneling offers a serene atmosphere. “The lighter finish highlights the wood grain, while alternating vertical and horizontal panels add subtle texture,” Johnston explains. The maritime reference is deliberate: Like the interior of a finely crafted ship, the space appears tailored and disciplined. “The built-ins take their cues from classic-yacht design, where everything has its place.” Every millimeter thoughtfully planned, the design brings a measure of order to the house’s expansive rooms, even in the kitchen, where Johnston added an unexpected layer of tactility: “The island front is clad in leather panels—a subtle way to introduce softness and warmth into an otherwise streamlined palette of materials.”

Beyond finishes and art, technology provides hints of ambience, as well, especially in the primary suite. “The draperies are concealed within the paneled walls and are revealed at the push of a button, enveloping the room and blacking out the light,” Johnston notes. The bed itself is a centerpiece: “The bed is set into a custom upholstered wall with subtle LED edge lighting, creating a soft, ambient glow.” The mood is cocooning, cinematic, and wonderfully peaceful. 

The result is a house that feels like a well-played game with crafty moves, tactical restraint, and plenty of dazzling highlights. Just as important, it performs beautifully in everyday life. “What we enjoy most is how our home adapts to every occasion, from a child’s birthday party to elegant evenings of cocktails and dinners,” Lauren says, adding that when friends and family drop by, they frequently use their indoor and outdoor kitchens, pizza ovens, and teppanyaki grill. “Together we create our own traditions, making our home feel both vibrant and deeply personal.” And that’s always a win.