But the harmony of terrariums in the home all comes back to texture and scale, Williams said.

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"In the past, designers played a lot with beauty, and we've pared back to neutrals and texture, and modernized everything, " New York designer Elizabeth Bauer said.

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The back of the PadFone Station has a rubbery texture that's essentially identical to its predecessor's, making it just as comfortable to hold, but only time will tell how durable the coating is.

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The camera pod continues to exist as part of a larger protrusion on the back, which now sports a significant amount of texture.

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Weighing in at just over a pound, the inMotion Air's sleek industrial design features top-mounted controls, soft-texture finish and an ergonomic handle in the back for easy carrying.

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The lightweight plastic device has a texture reminiscent of China's Birds Nest Olympic stadium, with a predictable array of connections on the back side.

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