The world of interior design is vast and home to many interesting designers. From Milan to South Africa, there are lots of faces to discover. Finding new talent is always a treat, but discovering the creators who’ve been changing the game for years is just as satisfying. There are lots of Black interior designers to know these days, and many of them are right in your own backyard. Metropolitan cities like New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles are crawling with skillful designers. Still, these four bring something unique and fresh to the table. They’re not just adding decor and adjusting the tone of a space with lighting. Instead, they’re reimagining and transforming them into cozy, personalized bungalows.

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Pioneered as first Black

designer to manufacture

custom furniture and upholstery

Blended art and

interior design in

her unique concepts

First African American designer

featured in Architectural Digest's

Top 100 influential list

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With awards and accolades under their belt, these Black designers are carving their own paths in their respective cities. They’ve put in some serious work, keeping up with decor trends, changing aesthetics, all while infusing their signature style into each project. Below, get to know the four Black interior artists continuously shaking up the design world.

Alvin Wayne

Color, patterns, bold lines, shapes, and architecture are all part of what makes maximalist decor and Alvin Wayne’s style so unique. His eye for detail and love of pattern mixing have made him one of New York City’s most sought-after designers. To date, he’s reimagined several homes around the city, including those belonging to fellow creatives. Designing a home for artists may seem like a challenge, but Wayne has a knack for blending contemporary and retro designs that makes it easy. With each home, he aims to bring personality and life to the surface, giving the space a unique and personalized feel.

NeKeia McSwain

NeKeia McSwain is the go-to name for luxury interior design and home decor in the South. Her namesake firm NeKeia + Co. is headquartered in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Colorado and has built a reputation for curating opulent and functional spaces. Naturally, the firm’s aesthetic resonates from McSwain herself. Her flair for merging delicate details and rich materials is unmatched. Outside of the homes she designs, her skill set can be best seen in her collection with Ngala Trading. The collaboration, inspired by South African culture, was designed to uplift the artisan techniques and showcase the beauty and richness of the country. Whether a stunning chandelier made from tiny leather braids or an oblong mirror, there’s more than a touch of glam in each piece.

Kesha Franklin

Kesha Franklin is another one of NYC’s hidden gems. Her design firm, Halden Interiors, is all about elevating interiors and putting individualism front and center. Her style strikes a balance between minimalist and maximalist aesthetics, with a touch of glamor to tie it all together. Still, personalization is at the heart of everything she does. Whether she’s designing for a residence or a corporate space, the goal is always to create a customized space. That said, much of her work features contemporary decor with complementary colors and luxe finishes.

Leah Alexander

With more than a few HGTV Designer of the Year awards under her belt, Leah Alexander is a force to be reckoned with. While her design studio, Beauty is Abundant, is based in Atlanta, her work can be found in homes across the country and internationally. Like many designers, inspiration for her work comes from passions and personal interests. Her love of travel, for example, is evident in the cultural elements and bold colors she often incorporates. Themes of wellness and mindfulness are also prevalent in some of her designs, which use organic materials and textures to bring the look full circle.