African-American Designers

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Black History Month – Trailblazers & Movers and Shakers

by Anna Millman February 12, 2011 42 Comments

Last year, Tina Shoulders of Laidback Home kicked off a series of blog posts spotlighting designers of color. And even though she started mid-February, that didn’t stop her from writing a full 28 days of awesome posts. If you missed it, don’t worry, she compiled her work. 28 Days of Diversity in Design is available in e-book form.

I Love My Hair prints - designer Andrea Pippins

Like Tina shows, so many African-American designers are doing amazing work. (Last year, we interviewed Jack Poles, Will Smith, Kim Myles and Sheila Bridges.) But people of color are still underrepresented in the fields of architecture, interior design and decor. It’s crucial to call out the trailblazers, movers and shakers and up-and-comers. So, I call on you, our Design Happens fans, to expand my ever-growing list of favorites.

Great African-American Designers: Will Smith

by Karli Sanders Cook February 27, 2010 15 Comments

We’re winding up our look at top designers for Black History Month with Season 2 HGTV Design Star contestant, Will Smith. Smith, an Associate Member of the Interior Design Society, has seen his business boom since appearing on Design Star. His Charlotte, NC, design firm, Interior Motives, is a full-service firm that strives to help clients find their personal style. Read on to see what Will has to say about his favorite projects and personal style.

Which African-American designers influenced you?
Preston Bailey – I love the over-the-top look that he creates for special events.

Great African-American Designers: Jack Poles

by Karli Sanders Cook February 23, 2010 9 Comments

To continue our Black History Month series, we spoke with Atlanta interior designer Jack Poles. His background in floral design and retail merchandising created a love of wallpaper that led him to start Wallpaper Your World, a boutique wallpaper store that offers traditional, trendy and eco-friendly options. Read on to see what Jack has to say about his love of wallpaper and Palm Beach.
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Which African-American designers influenced you?
Starting out, I didn’t have an African-American designer to influence me. That void inspired me to pursue my dream, which was creating a name for myself so that I may inspire African-American and young designers.

What’s your favorite design style?
My favorite design style is traditional with a twist.

What’s the essential home accessory (or piece of furniture) you use in your designs?
I love to use wallpaper. I think it really enhances the feeling of the room, much better than plain paint. I also like to throw in a hint of leopard print to add a little bit of fun to the room.

Great African-American Designers: Sheila Bridges

by Karli Sanders Cook February 16, 2010 18 Comments

Let Sheila Bridges help you turn your design daydreams into reality. Named “America’s Best Interior Designer” by CNN and Time Magazine, she has designed offices for former presidents and been named one of House Beautiful‘s Top 100 designers. Sheila hosted four seasons of Sheila Bridges: Designer Living on our sister network, Fine Living, and continues to reach new audiences with her 2002 book, Furnishing Forward (also out in paperback). She has also designed fabric, bedding, wallpaper and plates featuring her Harlem Toile de Jouy pattern. Check out what Sheila had to say about her sought-after design.
More from Sheila

Great African-American Designers: Kim Myles

by Karli Sanders Cook February 12, 2010 39 Comments

In honor of Black History Month, we’re honoring some of today’s most inspiring African-American designers. This week we interviewed Kim Myles, former HGTV Design Star winner and Los Angeles designer. Kim hosts Myles of Style on HGTV where she helps ordinary homeowners create spaces they love. Kim dished with us on her inspirations and the most memorable room she’s designed.

Which African-American designers influenced you?
Sheila Bridges stands out for me because of her deft use of strong colors and shapes, as well as her bold personal look.

What’s your favorite design style?
I don’t play favorites! I love mixing different styles and influences — it gives rooms a sense of history. It’s kind of like being at a dinner party: I want to be seated next to the guest who’s got varied interests and experiences to relate versus the person who only talks politics.

What’s the essential home accessory (or piece of furniture) you use in your designs? More From Kim