11 Black & POC decor brands to shop from now (and forever)
H e l l o d e s i g n l o v e r s !
With everything happening in the world, I’ve been thinking more and more about representation in the design industry. Did you know as of 2019 the Design Census reported that the design industry is 71% White/Caucasian and only 36% Asian, 8% Latinx/Hispanic, 5% Bi-racial/Multi-racial, 3% Black/African American, and less than 1% Native American?
These numbers do not surprise me, because as a Black female designer, I’ve lived it. But design is such a colorful, important space and I have hope that we will do better! So with all this extra time on my hands (thanks quarantine) I started hunting and found some great, talented BIPOC (Black/Indigenous/People Of Color) furniture and decor brands that I plan to source/shop from, and you should too :)
Keep reading to see my top 11 BIPOC designers to shop from now and forever!
saber sconce by studio pgrb
about studio pgrb:
Studio PGRB is a design studio specializing in timeless handcrafted light fixtures. Founded by Raymond and Priti, who believe in designing quality products that enhance any space. Each fixture is made to order which provides customers with a truly unique lighting experience. I love the sculptural designs and luxe feel of their lighting!
about karen jai home:
After 15 years at a New York City PR firm, Karen Jai decided to share her creativity through product design. What stands out to me most is Karen Jai’s range of decor that all fit her aesthetic - from lighting to pillows to kitchenware!
3. Ali Sandifer
about ali sandifer
Ali Sandifer is a design studio and workshop based in Detroit, where they have operated since 2011. Design is their passion and craft is their medium. Their work is born from a simple belief that design, material, and craft must work together to achieve intelligence, beauty, and longevity. The integrated nature of their operation allows them to move fluidly between studio and workshop, and design and craft.
4. Sabai
about sabai:
Sabai offers beautifully designed, affordable furniture that doesn’t cost the earth. Modular and customizable. Ready to move wherever and upgrade whenever. Made with sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing. Kind to the planet and a joy to live with!
about duett interiors
Tiffany Thompson, founder of Duett Interiors, created a wonderful collection of pillows inspired by her grandmother’s plastic covered couch! These pillows are intended to be strong and beautiful - like her grandmother.
about btween spaces:
The brand was founded by Eunjoo Lee, an interior designer based in Brooklyn, NY. She fell in love with the simple pleasure that a candle can bring and set out to make her own. The unique candles are made from top quality ingredients and will shine in your home - whether they are lit or not.
7. Candice Luter
about candice luter:
What started as a hobby, local artist Candice Luter began her journey creating one-of-a-kind designs using remnant scraps of wood and fabric from her home studio. Remnant Design was born and continues to build momentum as a collection of custom furniture and unique home accents since 2014.
about modish decor pillows
According to the brand, the definition of Modish is: (Adjective) Modern, Fashionable, Contemporary, Trendy, Chic. I agree! Originally from New York City, the founder, Chantal Bradley grew up with a passion for interior design and started Modish Decor Pillows in 2015. She provides pillows that symbolize her posh style in home decor.
9. STUD Pillows
about stud pillows:
Founded in 2013 by Aurielle Jones, STUD specializes in bespoke, edgy, decorative handmade pillows. STUD has quickly become the go to source for style rebels who want to add a little edginess to their home.
10. Clare
about clare:
Clare is a paint company founded by interior designer Nicole Gibbons. They’ve re-imagined a whole new paint shopping experience with designer-curated colors, technology to guide you, mess-free paint swatches, and the highest-quality paint and supplies, delivered. They’ve also got you covered with the best advice to help you tackle your paint project with confidence.
11. Love, Mezay
about the love, mezay:
Love, Mezay was founded in 2019 by Nigerian-Indian artist Mezay Ugbo. She began as a fashion illustrator and handbag maker. Her illustrations are inspired by “fashion and things we love about ourselves and struggle with as black women” combined with what she calls the "earth" palette.
This list just scratches the surface of the talented, inspiring BIPOC brands that exist. I’m making it a personal goal to not only furnish my own space with BIPOC designers but actively source from them in my KEEKS Interiors design projects. Will you join me in supporting small, BIPOC designers?
P.S. - Expand your support by sharing this post with someone you know! And if there are any BIPOC designers you know of that I should check out, comment & let me know :)
XOXO