Whether designing your first home or trying to decide how to rearrange a room, we all need a little inspiration sometimes. When we finally find that spark we’re looking for, it’s even more magical to see ourselves represented in that creativity and know that people who look like us are out in the world exploring the same passions. There’s no better time to celebrate diverse visionaries in the design space, especially since the percentage of Black interior designers in the industry is still at a low of only 1.5%, according to the career website Zippia. Championing and uplifting their work not only opens new opportunities for future generations but signals to emerging trendsetters that anything is possible. Want to get to know some of these ingenious influencers and experts? We’ve got you covered. Here are eight Black designers to follow for inspiration in 2024.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐉𝐞𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬 (@coreydamenjenkins)

Corey Damen Jenkins

Known for his unapologetic amalgamations of colors, textures, and layered patterns, you might know interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins from HGTV. But that’s not the only impressive accolade in his deck of cards. He leads a team of designers in New York City and his hometown, Detroit, masterminding iconic interiors around the globe. Jenkins also designs products, creating furniture and textiles for brands like Hancock & Moore.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NINABDESIGN LLC (@ninabarniehblair)

Nina Barnieh-Blair

Warm tones and a marriage of modern elegance and eclecticism characterize Nina Barnieh-Blair’s style. Before wowing the design world with her interiors, she was a PR consultant for lifestyle and interior brands. While visuals are at the forefront of every space, Barnieh-Blair intends for her work to resonate with and maximize the human experience.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Shakoor Interiors (@shakoor_interiors)

Erin Shakoor

Erin Shakoor’s aesthetic takes notes from the fine arts realm. With an appreciation for the works and expression of iconic artists like Jean-Michael Basquiat, she derives inspiration from Brutalist and Art Eco design. Utilizing a keen eye for detail to guide her creative chops, she designs luxury surfaces and textiles in her Chicago studio.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Dressing Rooms Interiors Studio ™️ (@dressmyroom)

Ariene Bethea

Ariene Bethea’s vividly breathtaking interiors exude playfulness through patterns and objects. A childhood immersed in culture and art nurtured her appreciation for the bold things in life, leading her to develop a sense of imagination that carries into her designs.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Candace Mary Interiors| Staging & Design (@candacemaryinteriors)

Candace Mary Griffin

The feeling and connection a space evokes is the first thing Candace Mary Griffin wants her clients to experience with her designs. The sultry, timeless, yet modern interiors on her account aren’t one-size-fits-all. She intends for the visual experience to make you fall in love with your home—it’s all about creating a statement that resonates.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by L E A H A L E X A N D E R (@leahdalexander_)

Leah Alexander

Leah Alexander is the owner and principal designer at Beauty is Abundant. Named HGTV’s designer of the year two years in a row (2022 and 2023), Alexander’s interiors pull from various sources and cultural perspectives informed by her extensive travels and marvels from around the world.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Kelly Finley-Joy Street Design (@joystreetdesign)

Kelly Finley

Kelly Finley is passionate about breathing new life into old homes. A former lawyer, she pairs her skills in project management with her lively personality to create joyful, contemporary, and functional dream spaces.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Malcolm A. Simmons, Jr. (@malcolmsimmons)

Malcolm Simmons

At his design studio, Mas Means More, Washington, D.C.-based Malcolm Simmons emphasizes that “good design is achievable for everyone.” It’s not about sticking to what you know for Simmons but seeking pragmatic and stylish ways to experiment with design.