9 Black Interior Designers You Should Know This Year
While the design world is constantly evolving, and pinpointing the definitive “top 9” for any given year is subjective and can shift rapidly, here are 9 Black interior designers who have been consistently recognized for their talent, innovation, and impact on the industry, making them individuals you should certainly be aware of in 2025:
1. Brigette Romanek (Romanek Design Studio): Based in Los Angeles, Romanek is celebrated for her ability to blend different design genres seamlessly, creating luxurious yet approachable spaces. Her masterful use of color and texture evokes palpable emotion in her designs. She has worked with high-profile clients, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyoncé.
2. Tavia Forbes and Monet Masters (FORBES+MASTERS): This dynamic duo out of Atlanta is known for their bold and eclectic designs. They expertly combine modern and traditional elements, using lines to create a compelling narrative within each space. Their work has garnered accolades from Architectural Digest and Kips Bay Decorator Show House.
3. Candice Luter (Candice Luter Art + Interiors): Luter is a multi-talented artisan and designer who creates unique, organic, and minimalist interiors. Her intriguing collections often feature natural materials, and her work has been highlighted by HGTV and Apartment Therapy.
4. Breegan Jane (Breegan Jane): A versatile designer, TV host, author, and philanthropist based in Venice Beach, California. Jane is known for her ability to create cohesive and luxurious spaces while incorporating patterns and textures effectively. Her specialty includes crafting the quintessential luxury beach house feel.
5. Mikel Welch (Mikel Welch Designs): Based in New York, Welch is not only a sought-after interior designer but also a host and design expert on television. He’s known for his sophisticated designs and ability to create high-end looks at accessible price points.
6. Tiffany Brooks (Tiffany Brooks Interiors): Named one of the top interior designers by Architectural Digest, Brooks is celebrated for her innovative and livable designs. Based in Chicago, she brings a fresh and dynamic approach to creating stylish and functional spaces.
7. Corey Damen Jenkins (Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates): Jenkins is renowned for his vibrant use of color and layered patterns, resulting in architecturally inspired spaces that are both polished and unexpected. His work has graced the covers of House Beautiful and Traditional Home.
8. Sheila Bridges (Sheila Bridges Design): A veteran in the industry, Bridges has established herself as a prominent designer with a sophisticated and timeless aesthetic. Her work often incorporates historical references with a modern sensibility. In 2020, she partnered with Schumacher to create the “Harlem Toile de Jouy” wallpaper, a groundbreaking design that celebrates Black culture.
9. Rayman Boozer (Apartment 48): As the principal designer for Apartment 48, Boozer has a passion for creating spaces that tell a story. His designs, whether residential or commercial, are often characterized by a playful yet sophisticated approach.
Organizations Supporting Black Interior Designers:
It’s also important to be aware of organizations dedicated to promoting and supporting Black talent in the interior design industry. These include:
- Black Interior Designers Network (BIDN): A pioneering non-profit organization focused on providing resources and business opportunities for Black designers to flourish.
- Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG): An inclusive and equity-driven space for Black makers, aiming to build inclusive spaces and invest in Black ancestral futures.
- Organization of Black Designers (OBD): A national professional organization dedicated to promoting the visibility, empowerment, education, and interaction of its 1 Black members across various design disciplines.
- Black in Design (BiD) Conference: Hosted by the Harvard Graduate School of Design African American Student Union, this conference aims to recognize the contributions of the African diaspora in design and inspire conversations about challenging institutional barriers.
By following these talented designers and supporting these vital organizations, you can stay informed about the impactful contributions of Black professionals in the world of interior design in 2025 and beyond. The designers listed represent a spectrum of styles and experiences, all united by their exceptional talent and significant influence on the field.