The simple truth? The vacation rental industry lacks diversity.
And if our digital lives mirror our real lives at all, our social feeds probably lack diversity too.
The next time you open up your favorite app, pay close attention to who shows up on your feed, and you’ll probably find a place where your opinions are validated and reinforced more often than they are challenged.
From discrimination in trying to book an Airbnb, navigating antiblackness while traveling abroad, the absence of Black travelers and families featured in advertising, and the discrimination homeowners face in appraisals, there is a long list of systemic and historical barriers that our industry faces in becoming a safer and more equitable space for Black people.
In an effort to start breaking down some of those barriers, and in honor of National Black Business Month, we’ve compiled a list of 22 Black interior designers and brands to follow, support, gain inspiration from, and hopefully help you to diversify your digital life.
Here are some of our favorite Black interior designers and brands shaking up the design industry.
1. Justina Blakeney: The Jungalow
Justina is an artist, entrepreneur, NYT bestselling author, and the founder of @theJungalow, “a lifestyle brand and the go-to source for jungalicious design goods and inspiration.” Follow her for eclectic design inspiration and shop from her online marketplace for unique and colorful home decor.
2. Tiffany: Pretty Real
Tiffany is known for her family-friendly design style and DIY tutorials. You can find inspiration for budget-friendly home decor + real time DIY’s on her Instagram page and blog.
3. Yowie
As their bio says, they are a lot of things, but mostly a creative platform, shop & design studio. Follow them for unique home decor and items that will upgrade your homes cool factor overnight.
4. Mikel Welch
Mikel is an interior designer, lifestyle expert and host of Murder House Flip on @quibi. Mikel has created rooms for Oprah, Michelle Obama and Steve Harvey (to name a few). His style is elegant and timeless, and you can shop and learn more about his latest collection here.
5. Jessica Reilly: Domicile37
Jessica is an interior stylist with a specialty in eclectic designs. Visit her Youtube, Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook page for incredible inspiration and before-and-after content.
6. Deena Knight
Deena is a lifestyle and design expert with beautiful content showcasing her home renovations and redesign. Follow her for clean and bright interiors and affordable essentials to save for inspiration.
7. Darryl Sharpton: Edloe Finch
Darryl Sharpton is the co-founder of Edloe Finch, a modern furniture brand with stunning pieces that will make you want to throw all of your current furniture away and replace it with his. Seriously.
8. Brittiny Terry: Effortless Composition
Brittiny is the founder of Effortless Composition, an online home-decor store based in Los Angeles and an advocate of showcasing other Black women in the home decor space. On her feed, you’ll find unique and stunning decor pieces in well-lit and designed homes, as well as conversations about wellness and self-care.
9. Shavonda Gardner
Shavonda is a designer and small space living expert currently building an English cottage in Sacramento. Follow along her renovation journey for tips and interior design inspiration for small spaces and functional living.
10. Stacey Ann-Blake: Design Addict Mom
Stacey is the founder of Design Addict Mom, where she shares interior design news and trends, her interior design projects, snippets of motherhood and lifestyle musings. Stacey kills it with color, so follow her for interior inspiration that takes risks and creates joyful spaces.
11. Malene Barnett: Black Artists & Designers Guild
Malene is the founder of The BAD Guild, a digital directory for artists and designers to showcase their work. Follow her to fill your feed beautiful art and creations from other Black artists and designers and for creative storytelling of their journey into design.
12. AphroChic
Started by husband and wife team, Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason, AphroChic is an interior design firm that has grown to include textiles, furniture, lighting, clothing, and a magazine. Follow them for stunning design content as well as much needed conversations with diverse creatives about race and equity in the industry.
13. Seana Freeman: Belly Baila
Seana is a design consultant and creative (by night) that specializes in bold, soulful, and ‘eclectic glamour’ interior design. Follow her for colorful and maximalist inspiration.
14. Dominique Gebru
Dominique is a contributor to apartment therapy and currently remodeling her home with minimalist design pieces that are both colorful and modern. On her page, you’ll find DIY inspiration, unique decor finds and real-time remodeling tips you can put to use for your own home projects.
15. Tiffany Thompson
Tiffany is a residential designer and the founder of @duettinteriors, a contemporary home decor product line. Follow her for clean, minimalist, and modern design inspiration and shop her latest collection (inspired by grandma) of beautiful handmade pillows.
16. Tracey Hairston
Tracey is a “thrift-terior” design and plant stylist, with an attachment to wicker decor, thrifted finds, and of course, plants! Follow her for all the knowledge on plant care, thrifting tips, and how to use what already exists to spruce up your space.
17. Cherub Stewart: floridawaterinteriors
Cherub is an interior designer and consultant who creates space as an ‘offering.’ She believes that in order to transform a space into one that is “rich with a depth of color, the life of plants, and high vibrations of love and peace,” it takes intention and presence. Follow her for plan-filled inspiration and wellness-focused interior design.
18. Ariene: Dress My Room
Ariene specializes in vintage home furnishings and sourcing one-of-a-kind home decor. Follow her for the best in vintage decor and to find your next bold focal piece!
19. Corey Damen Jenkins
Corey is an esteemed designer and tastemaker that has been named and 𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐄 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐫 𝐀-𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞r, 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭, and 𝐃&𝐃 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫. His style is vintage meets southern comfort meets elegance. Every photo he posts will make you want to redo your entire home. Follow him for bold wallpaper, vintage furnishing, mixed textures, and inspiration for every room.
20. Paola “Pao Pao” Mathé
Paola is an artist, creative entrepreneur, and founder of Fanmdajanm. My favorite part about her page are her captions and videos dancing with her daughter in her home. But if it’s design inspo you want, you’ll find a mix of colorful walls, maximalist decor, and one-of-a-kind focal pieces that will bring joy to your feed.
21. Nicole Gibbons
Nicole is the Founder/CEO @clarepaint, and a decor-obsessed interior designer. Her style is clean, bright, and modern, while still being bold with intriguing items and colors. Follow her for new ideas on how to upgrade your space in unique and modern ways.
22. Sheila Bridges
We’re ending out our list with one of the Black interior design pioneers, Sheila Bridges. Sheila creates spaces that are colorful and inviting and is known for her timeless design. Follow her not only for home design innovation but for photos of beautiful art and colorful interior styling as well.
