Brooks Franklin founded Halden Interiors in New York, a design firm that creates impeccably tailored spaces. Franklin describes his design process as “unapologetically client-centric.” Each of his clients has unique needs, which he takes into account when creating a space. He has recently signed a contract to design the home of NFL player Colin Kapernick. Franklin has also won Design Star on HGTV and hosts a show on the network called Smart Home. He is also an active member of the Black Interior Designers Network.
Nikki Klugh
Nikki Klugh is one of the most recognized interior designers in the world with over hundreds of satisfied clients nationwide. She is also a three-time best-selling author and has made several appearances on television shows and in magazines. Her designs are known to evoke emotions and make people feel good.
Nikki Klugh’s approach to interior design revolves around creating beautiful, unique, and creative spaces for everyday luxury. She is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and a mentor for many in the industry. You can listen to her podcasts for free on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Sheila Bridges
The rich colors of Sheila Bridges’ black interior design are inspiring, and her personal style reflects the diversity of the black community. This award-winning designer has a rich background in the black community and has designed homes for clients all over the world. She has even designed wallpaper samples that are featured in museums.
Bridges were born and raised in Philadelphia but have lived in New York since 1986. She earned degrees from Brown University and Parsons School of Design. She also studied decorative arts in Florence, Italy. In 1994, she founded her own design company. Prior to starting her own company, she worked for the architectural firm Shelton, Mindel, and Associates. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, including the Washington Post, New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal.
Carmeon Hamilton
Carmeon Hamilton, the owner of Memphis-based interior design firm Nubi Interiors, is a master of mixing beauty and wellness. She focuses on layering textures and incorporating natural materials in her work. Her swoon-worthy Memphis home is full of hand-painted murals and tropical plants. Here, she shares some of her tips for elevating the ordinary.
The talented interior designer was named one of the nine rising stars of design in a feature in Southern Living Magazine. Her winning design was featured in an article that includes a discussion of how to use natural elements in interior design to promote health and well-being. She also shares her love of her hometown, Memphis, in the piece. Her work is representative of the many roles that she occupies, and UCA’s Interior Design Program is proud to feature her work.
Michel Smith Boyd
Michel Smith Boyd is one of the most respected interior designers in Atlanta. His signature style has been featured in Elle Decor, Vogue, Traditional Home, and Architectural Digest. His interior design style is one of elegance and sophistication, seamlessly mixing masculine and feminine elements. If you’re considering hiring an interior designer, check out Michel’s portfolio.
Michel Smith Boyd has a new TV show and a collection for Z Gallerie. He and his wife Christina are the owners of Me & General Design, a design firm based in Atlanta. Michel’s creative eye has been featured on Buying it Blind, Luxe for Less, and other shows. He is an expert in blending masculine and feminine touches, and he is known for integrating natural materials into his designs.
Livvy & Neva
Livvy & Neva is a New York City interior design company founded by Keita Turner. She graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design and now creates both vintage and contemporary designs. Her signature look incorporates black, white, and other neutral colors for a chic and sophisticated look.
Livvy & Neva offers decorative pillows that are limited-edition and made with vintage textiles. They are a great way to update your space in the New Year! The brand also offers pillows for the Southern belle home.
Malene Barnett
Known for her bold use of black, Malene Barnett is a trailblazer in the world of interior design. She is the founder of the Black Artists + Designers Guild, an organization that supports Black artists and designers. Barnett grew up in a coastal Connecticut town and began painting at age eight. She later attended the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied textile design. She had been studying fashion illustration but discovered her talent for textiles while in college.
In addition to designing homes, she also creates bespoke textiles and ceramics. As an artist, she also creates a range of art pieces that reflect the African diaspora. Barnett’s designs are both modern and traditional.