Take a look at your Instagram feed. Especially in the world of home design, it’s both possible and likely many of the creators you follow look the same.
As one very small step in the right direction, we’re rounding up 14 of our favorite Black interior design influencers for you to add to your daily scroll. Follow them and show them some love because they are incredibly talented at what they do, and because BIPOC designers don’t often receive the same exposure and support as their white peers. It’s a small, but important way to support diversity in the home design community.
- Want more inspiration from design-savvy homeowners? Check out our Real Home tours.
1. Shavonda Gardner, @sgardnerstyle
“I started blogging in 2012 because I didn’t see a single person who looked like me, had a family like mine or who shared my same style in the design/interiors blogging world,” interior designer Shavonda Gardener shares in a recent Instagram post.
Thank goodness she did, because Gardner’s moody-eclectic interiors combine rich patterns and deep hues to perfection. Though she loves dark colors, nothing about her finished designs feel heavy. And if you only have a few hundred square feet to work with? Gardner believes bold style still has a place in small living.
2. Sheila Bridges, @harlemtoilegirl
Sheila Bridges has one of the most impressive resumes in the biz. An Elle Decor A-List designer, Bridges has also been named “America’s Best Designer” by CNN and Time Magazine. The Harlem resident has gained acclaim designing offices and residences for prominent entertainers, entrepreneurs and professionals (like Bill Clinton if we’re dropping names).
She also has a line of wallpaper, accessories, fabric and glassware called Harlem Toile. The products look beyond the traditional French pattern, reexamining the historical narrative of African Americans and lampooning stereotypes woven into these 18th-century motifs.
3. Erika Ward, @mrserikaward
At her eponymous firm, Atlanta-based designer Erika Ward specializes in contemporary-meets-classic interiors. Think Mid-Century modern furniture upholstered in bold contrasting fabrics and built-in bookcases with an unexpected wallpapered background.
If you’re searching for design inspo, Ward’s Instagram is chock-full of both finished spaces and mood boards—complete with fabric swatches, tile samples and natural elements.
4. Justina Blakeney, @justinablakeney
Justina Blakeney’s Instagram is like an escape to a tropical oasis. In fact, the design mogul and best-selling author’s lifestyle brand, Jungalow, started as a blog in her tiny plant-filled living room.
Both her interiors and home decor collection embrace indoor/outdoor living, saturated colors, globally inspired tiles and textiles and yes, all the plants.
5. Christopher Griffin, @plantkween
If you dream of being a plant parent but have far from a green thumb, Christopher Griffin, a.k.a. The Plant Kween, is a must follow. (Plus, if the photo above doesn't spark joy, we're not sure what will). Not only do they share photos of their incredibly lush plant-filled Brooklyn apartment, but Griffin has a ton of helpful tips and information along the way.
Follow for tips on watering, light and plant selection, but take note, Griffin may convert you to a plant addict.
6. Breegan Jane, @breeganjane
You may know Breegan Jane as the star of HGTV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Addition. The designer is also a lifestyle expert and philanthropist, and she’s not afraid to roll up her sleeves.
Follow Jane to join in on her hunt for the best materials like Italian marble and to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her latest projects. And there are some pretty cute kiddo photos along the way.
7. Beth Diana Smith, @bethdianasmith
For interior designer Beth Diana Smith, it’s all in the details. From custom furniture to curated accessories and the perfect artwork (sometimes chosen in the form of wallpaper), Smith’s interiors are always bold and eclectic.
Follow her instagram for inspiring interiors, design vision boards and incredible product finds.
8. Cheryl Luckett, @dwellbycheryl
It’s not hard to see why Southern Home described designer Cheryl Luckett’s style as “opulence within reach.” Scroll through her Instagram for jewel-like light fixtures, vibrant artwork and one incredible velvet-upholstered door.
Luckett also has a collection of colorful upholstered furniture for North Carolina–based brand Sylvester Alexander. Don’t miss her Sunday Sit Downs, where she discusses recent projects and inspiration — all delivered with an infectious smile.
9. Ursula Carmona, @homemadebycarmona
DIY and design blogger Ursula Carmona isn’t intimidated by much. On her Instagram, she takes on popcorn ceilings, hangs wallpaper and installs custom molding. Follow her for incredible DIYs, like painted throw pillows, an outdoor plant holder, or general laundry room goals (see above).
She also shares cleaning tips, styling advice and clever small space solutions on her blog, Home Made By Carmona (not to be confused with her family’s vegan foodie blog, Cooking With Carmona).
10. Katrina Blair, @thekatrinablair
A small home dweller in Sacramento, California, Katrina Blair is an ace at maximizing space. The blogger created her own built-in bookcase, utilizes outdoor areas and always thinks about both form and function.
Her less-than 1,200-square-foot ranch has been featured in HGTV Magazine, but that doesn’t stop Blair from constantly reimagining the space.
11. Candace Mary Griffin, @candacemaryinteriors
Detroit designer Candace Mary Griffin has a knack for bringing out a space’s personality. Scroll through her Instagram and you’ll notice a mix of wallpapered rooms, white walls and strategic paint choices to highlight a room’s architectural details.
Whether its a renovated loft with exposed brick or an elegant estate with historic crown molding, Griffin brings these oft-overlooked characteristics to light. Her Instagram is full of dreamy interiors, curated vignettes and eclectic furnishings.
12. Veronica Solomon, @casavilora
For wallspiration, look no further than Casa Vilora Interiors designer Veronica Solomon. The HGTV Award nominee lets walls be the highlight of a room: from luxe grasscloth wallcoverings to gorgeous wallpaper murals and perfectly balanced gallery installations.
Solomon is a maximalist at heart. “No, I will not choose between the wallpaper and the chandelier, because I can have it all and still look damn good in the process,” she quips on her Instagram.
13. Courtney McLeod, @rightmeetsleftinteriordesign
Like Marie Kondo, New York designer Courtney McLeod believes your space should spark joy. But for her, that doesn’t mean getting rid of things. The Right Meets Left Interior Design founder believes in layered, spirited interiors that combine textural elements with pops of color.
McLeod is a must follow. The designer shares her own colorful projects as well as other designers who are inspiring her and her latest finds on Pinterest. Get your save button ready.
14. Gbeke Omosebi, @simplicityfordesigns
Whatever your level of DIY comfort, blogger Gbke Omosebi has something for you on Simplicity For Designs — from a textured wall installation to beautiful spice jar labels. Follow her instagram for endless farmhouse style inspiration, along with clever hacks like how to beautifully display your children’s artwork.
There’s not much this working mamma can’t do, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself inspired to pick up a nail gun.
15. Brigette Romanek, @brigetteromanek
Brigette's interior design firm, Romanek Design Studio, is an AD100 honoree and design-firm-to-the-stars. Which means her Instagram account is not just filled with dreamy spaces (that's her home, above), but selfies with her enviable list of friends and clients (think: Kelly Rowland, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Rachel Zoe). Bottom line: Brigette takes chic to another level.
