10 Designers to Follow for Eat, Sleep, Retreat (and Repeat) Inspiration
The meaning of home and what makes it such has been enhanced over the past two years or so. No longer do we view it as the place we land after a hard day’s work, we now view it as a place of safety and hearth, deserving of a little attention.
The following 10 Black women interior designers featured below articulate what a home means to women. They know we care about the space we cook and share meals, sleep and retreat for peace and comfort in.
Note that the women chosen represent the Midwest, the South and places culturally important to who we are and were, historically. You’ve seen some on TV or not, but we invite you to follow them on Instagram to find inspiration that meets your aspirations, whether you decide on a total redesign or choose to add a new piece or two to punch up what already exists.
Introducing 10 designers, 30 designs and an abundance of style.
Tiffany Brooks, Chicago IL
TiffanyBrooksInteriors.com | IG: @tiffanybrooksinteriors
Tiffany Brooks has been named one of Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Interior Designers twice. She can be found on HGTV and featured in House Beautiful, Architectural Digest, HGTV Magazine, CS Interiors, Essence, Domino, Forbes and more.
Visit her site for a free gift: “12 STEPS TO DESIGNING YOUR INTERIORS.”
Nicole Gibbons, from Detroit MI, based in NYC
NicoleGibbons.com & Clare.com | IG: @nicolegibbonsstyle
Nicole Gibbons is a NYC-based interior designer and the founder of Clare, a startup brand of customized interior paints. Take the Clare Color Genius™ quiz to find your perfect paint color.
Carmeon Hamilton, Memphis TN
CarmeonHamilton.com | IG: @carmeonhamilton
Carmeon Hamilton won HGTV’s Design Star and hosts Reno My Rental on the network. She’s also a house plant “mom,” which you can follow on Instagram. Purchase a digital copy of her book, Nubi’s Guide to Plant Parenting on her site.
Erin Shakoor, from St. Louis MO, based in Chicago IL
ShakoorInc.com | IG: @shakoor_interiors
Interior designer Erin Shakoor’s fine arts training shows up in unique design elements with the use of unconventional and conventional textures. The queen of wall surfaces is slated to release a line of textiles and wall coverings.
Lorna Gross, Washington DC/Bethesda MD
LornaGross.com | IG: @lornagrossdesigns
Lorna Gross has Louisiana roots, which she uses to create luxurious spaces with whimsy and personality, but most importantly, hospitality for the client to enjoy alone or with guests.
Denese Butler, Boston MA
ThePerfectVignette.com | IG: @denesebutler
Denese Butler is a former wardrobe stylist that transitioned into interior design. She believes in making a space highly personalized to the client, while combining beauty with comfort.
Alana Frailey, Houston TX
AlanaFrailey.com | IG: @alanafrailey
World-traveler Alana Frailey utilizes global influences, a love for antiques and her Texas heritage to create spaces clients love to come home to.
Penny Francis, New Orleans LA
EclecticHome.net | IG: @eclectichomenola
Penny Francis is the principal of Eclectic Home, a design firm in New Orleans. Her design style reflects the rich cultural history of Louisiana as well as the personal tastes of clients. Feel free to shop the Eclectic Home site.
Venus Williams, Miami FL
VStarr.com | IG: @vstarrdesign
Venus Williams established V Starr Design Firm in 2002. The full-service interior design firm has a portfolio featuring commercial design, including hospitality and multifamily projects, as well as high-end residential design projects.
Delia Kenza, Brooklyn NY
DeliaKenzaInteriors.com | IG: @deliakenza
Brooklyn-based interior designer Delia Kenza specializes in complete renovations of urban living spaces. Her work has been featured in publications like New York Magazine and Brownstoner. She includes classic luxury textiles like mohair to create functional designs for her clients.
Robin Caldwell researches and writes about Black foodways, lifestyle and history. She is the publisher of Fresh & Fried Hard, a personal blog focused on Black women and food. A native midwesterner, exploring family history is a treasured pastime.
