Malene Barnett isn’t just an artist; she’s a catalyst for change in the design world. As the founder of the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG), a celebrated ceramicist and textile designer, Barnett’s work transcends aesthetics, blending cultural heritage with modern design to celebrate and amplify the Black creative experience. Her dual roles as an artist and activist have reshaped conversations around diversity, community, and cultural representation in the industry.

Her establishment of BADG has reshaped conversations around diversity in the design industry. More than an organization, it’s a movement providing visibility and opportunities for Black creatives. In her own artistic practice, particularly ceramics, she crafts sculptural pieces exploring texture, pattern, and cultural narratives.

Tying into her being a visionary, recently, Barnett’s creative vision manifested in a collaboration with Ruggable. Launched in the late Summer of 2024, this rug collection exemplifies her dedication to celebrating Black culture and heritage.

As part of our The Art of Home franchise, Home & Texture sat down with Barnett to explore her motivation behind BADG and discuss her Ruggable collaboration and her push for a strong, artistic Black community.

Home & Texture: What are the driving forces that inspire your creativity and work?

Malene Barnett: My African-Caribbean heritage profoundly influences my creative vision, grounding me in a lineage rich with resilience, artistry, and history. I find motivation in reimagining ancestral traditions and making them relevant to today’s world. Equally important is my desire to inspire and uplift the next generation of creators. I want young artists, especially those from Black and Caribbean backgrounds, to see themselves represented in my work and feel empowered to express their voices and stories.

H&T: What made you want to design and build a practice dedicated to the modern Black experience?

MB: Legacy building is essential to me, and I believe the modern Black experience needs more spaces to be honored, celebrated, and archived. Traditional Black archives often contain fragmented histories and overlooked narratives. I aim to contribute to filling in those gaps, preserving the richness of Black creativity, and creating a foundation for future generations. I want my work as an artist to ensure that Black stories—past, present, and future—are vividly represented and accessible.

H&T: How was the collaboration with Ruggable right for you and your work?

MB: Over the years, I’ve designed custom rugs for high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial spaces, which has been incredibly fulfilling. However, I’ve always wanted to make my designs more accessible, reaching more people who appreciate artistry daily. Partnering with Ruggable provided the ideal platform to bring this vision to reality. Their innovative approach to functional, stylish, and accessible rugs aligned perfectly with my desire to expand my reach, allowing a broader audience to experience the essence of my design work.

H&T: What is your hope for the future of the modern Black experience?

MB: I envision a future for the Black experience that is celebrated in its full beauty, joy, and richness. I hope it will be marked by a sense of rest and pleasure—a radical shift from narratives of struggle to spaces where Black people can embrace fulfillment and freedom. This future is where Black creatives, communities, and individuals are valued and can thrive with confidence, dignity, and joy.

H&T: What inspired you to create the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG), and what was your vision for the community?

MB: I created the Black Artists + Designers Guild to establish a supportive, collaborative space where Black makers could unite to amplify the work and narratives centered on the Black experience. This guild is about empowerment, solidarity, and representation. It’s a place where members can feel genuinely seen and collaborate on creative projects that speak directly to our collective history, culture, and identity. BADG exists to nurture talent, inspire new perspectives, and provide a platform for Black artists and designers to thrive.

This article has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.