Interior design world is currently undergoing a transformative shift. Designers from diverse backgrounds are taking center stage, breaking barriers, and reshaping the narrative of design. For years, the industry has been dominated by a predominantly white design community, with few opportunities for BIPOC designers to showcase their talents. However, the tides are turning. Today, Black interior designers are not only making a mark but are also leading the charge in terms of creativity, innovation, and cultural representation. As we continue to move toward a more inclusive and diverse future, it’s essential to recognize and support these talented professionals.
In honor of Black History Month, this article will spotlight nine Black interior designers who are making waves in the industry. These individuals are more than just decorators—they are visionaries redefining the design world, drawing from their unique cultural experiences, backgrounds, and expertise to create beautiful, impactful spaces.
Tiffani Reidy
Tiffani Reidy is a Baltimore native and the founder of Reidy Creative, a multidisciplinary design studio that specializes in residential and commercial renovation. Known for her conceptually driven style, Reidy’s designs often feature bold colors, a blend of modern and vintage elements, and an emphasis on local craftsmanship. Her approach to design is deeply rooted in a sense of community, with a focus on supporting local artisans.
Reidy’s education includes a Master’s in Interior Architecture from George Washington University and an undergraduate degree in graphics and photography from Syracuse University. Since founding Reidy Creative in 2018, she has garnered attention for her ability to fuse artistic expression with functional design, creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
Alicia Ruach
Alicia Ruach is the founder of Alicia Ruach Design + Co., an award-winning interior design studio that she launched in 2019. After a successful career in sports and entertainment, Ruach made a bold career pivot, returning to her first love: interior design. Her studio has quickly earned recognition, winning several awards and being featured in both regional and national publications.
In 2021, Ruach was honored with the Black Designers of Canada Award of Excellence, which recognizes Black excellence and contributions to the design industry in Canada. Her work blends modern and traditional elements, creating spaces that reflect both luxury and comfort. Ruach’s designs often focus on creating environments that evoke peace and harmony, blending style with functionality.
Amhad Freeman
Amhad Freeman is the founder and principal designer of Amhad Freeman Interiors, based in Chicago and Nashville. Specializing in luxury residential projects, Freeman is known for creating sophisticated spaces that balance modern, contemporary, and traditional design elements. Whether working on a kitchen remodel, bath renovation, or new construction, Freeman ensures his projects exude timeless elegance.
Freeman’s approach to design is centered on his clients’ needs and aspirations. He uses a refined color palette, premium materials, and elegant finishes to create spaces that not only look beautiful but feel like home. Freeman’s reputation for luxury design and attention to detail has made him one of the most sought-after interior designers in the industry today.
Lauren Ashley
Lauren Ashley is the founder of Lauren Ashley Experiences, an interior design and event planning firm based in Houston. Known for her bold use of color and vibrant personality, Ashley specializes in creating interiors that serve as sanctuaries of peace, inspiration, and belonging. Her design aesthetic often incorporates a mix of styles, including contemporary, traditional, and bohemian, resulting in spaces that feel both lively and comforting.
Ashley’s work has been featured in various regional and national publications, and her commitment to creating spaces that reflect her clients’ personalities has made her a beloved figure in the design community. She holds a degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Houston.
Theresa Butler
Theresa Butler is the founder of Theresa Butler Interiors, a full-service interior design firm located in Atlanta, Georgia. With a background in the medical field, Butler made a dramatic career change to pursue her passion for design. She’s known for her sophisticated design style, which incorporates traditional and modern elements.
Butler’s philosophy is to collaborate closely with clients to create spaces that reflect their unique lifestyles and personal tastes. Her focus on functionality, paired with her eye for elegant, timeless design, has made her a go-to designer for clients seeking both beauty and practicality in their homes.
Designs by Des Interiors – Desiree Washington
Desiree Washington founded Designs by Des Interiors, a Massachusetts-based design studio, with a vision of helping busy professionals create spaces they love. Washington’s philosophy is rooted in creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and comfortable. She works alongside her family to craft thoughtful, personalized designs for her clients.
Washington’s design approach combines modern sophistication with elements of warmth and comfort. Her expertise spans residential and commercial spaces, and she’s known for creating interiors that help her clients feel relaxed, productive, and inspired.
Laquita Tate
Laquita Tate began her journey in interior design as a hobby, renovating and redecorating her own home. After sharing her progress on social media, her keen eye for design caught the attention of others, leading her to pursue design professionally. In 2020, Tate opened her design studio, Laquita Tate Interior Styling & Designs, where she now helps clients create spaces that are both beautiful and functional.
Tate’s work has been featured in numerous publications, and her designs are known for their bold use of color, texture, and pattern. Her approach blends contemporary aesthetics with personal touches that make every space feel unique and intimate.
Malcolm Simmons
Malcolm Simmons, the founder of Mas Means More, is a rising star in the interior design world. Since founding his firm in 2018, Simmons has been recognized for his ability to create affordable yet stunning interiors that blend classic elements with a modern sensibility. His work focuses on both residential and commercial spaces, and he’s been featured in several prominent publications.
Simmons’ work has earned him recognition as one of the top emerging designers, including a spot in House Beautiful’s Next Wave Class of 2023. His ability to create beautiful, accessible interiors that reflect his clients’ personalities has made him a sought-after designer in the industry.
Leah Alexander
Leah Alexander is the founder and principal designer of Beauty is Abundant, an Atlanta-based interior design firm. Since founding her firm in 2018, Alexander’s work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Architectural Digest. Her design philosophy focuses on creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with an emphasis on curating spaces that reflect the beauty and diversity of her clients.
Alexander’s work has earned her several accolades, including being named HGTV Designer of the Year for 2022, 2023, and 2024. She was also named to House Beautiful’s Next Wave Class of 2023, solidifying her reputation as one of the top up-and-coming designers in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to highlight Black interior designers?
Highlighting Black interior designers is essential for promoting diversity and inclusion within the design industry. By recognizing and supporting these talented professionals, we help create a more equitable space where different voices and perspectives are celebrated.
What makes these designers unique?
These designers bring their unique cultural backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to their work, resulting in designs that are rich in meaning and creativity. Their designs reflect personal stories, heritage, and a deep understanding of the needs of diverse clients.
How can I support Black interior designers?
Supporting Black interior designers can be done in several ways: hire them for your projects, share their work on social media, and recommend them to others. Additionally, following their work and advocating for more opportunities for BIPOC designers is a great way to make a difference.
What is the significance of these designers in the design industry?
These designers are not just creating beautiful interiors; they are also reshaping the narrative of interior design by showcasing the power of diverse voices and experiences. They challenge traditional norms and push the boundaries of design, creating spaces that are both inclusive and representative of different cultures and backgrounds.
Conclusion
The interior design industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with more Black designers taking center stage and reshaping the future of the field. The nine designers highlighted in this article are just a few examples of the incredible talent and creativity within the Black design community. Their work not only brings beauty and innovation to the spaces they design but also serves as a reminder of the power of representation and diversity in the design world. As we move forward, it’s crucial to continue supporting and elevating these designers to ensure that the future of interior design is truly reflective of the diverse world we live in.
By recognizing and celebrating the work of these designers, we can help create a more inclusive and dynamic design industry, one that values the contributions of all voices and experiences.
