The Black Interior Designers Network announced the list this week.
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As any House Beautiful reader knows, there's no shortage of great design talent across the U.S. right now. Last night, the Black Interior Designers Network honored some of the most talented interior designers working today with the inaugural African American Top 10 interior designers list, recognizing ten Black talents from across the country at the top of their design game. "This list has been many years in the making, and it was such a special moment to honor these designers and recognize the impact of African American designers in this industry," said BIDN president Keia McSwain at the awards ceremony on May 12.
The list is a reimagining of the BIDN's annual Top 20 list, which ran from 2011 until 2018, when BID's founder, Kimberly Ward, passed away. "Continuing her legacy is a dream come true," says McSwain, who took over from Ward, her business partner at Kimberly + Cameron Interiors, in 2018. For the list, McSwain tapped a group of design editors—BOH's Kaitlin Peterson, Elle Decor's Asad Syrkett, AD's Amy Astley, Material Bank's Katy Olson, and House Beautiful's Hadley Keller—to narrow down a large group of nominees to a list of 10, a difficult task. Read on to see who made the list—and keep your eye on these talents.
Jenkins—whose debut book published last year is already in its fifth printing—started his firm in his native state of Michigan before relocating to New York, where he marries traditional elements and modern color palettes in projects across the country. He's also wowed visitors with his show house rooms at Kips Bay New York (shown above) and Dallas.
Los Angeles-based Romanek has quietly established herself as a go-to designer for celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, whose Romanek studio-designed home graced AD's cover this year.
Chicago talent Tiffany Brooks has earned a devoted fan following through her appearances on HGTV (she even designed the HGTV dream house last year!) as well as her functional and stylish interiors.
One half of design duo Woodson & Rummerfield's with partner Jamie Rummerfield, Ron Woodson specializes in LA-area homes for discerning clients, often blending old and new.
Atlanta design duo Forbes + Masters bring a sense of warmth and fun to modern interiors—like in House Beuatiful's 2019 Whole Home, where they devised a whimsical music room.
Onetime House Beautiful Next Wave designer Dani Arps has earned a devoted clientele for her specialty on office spaces (and, newly, retail spaces) that don't feel too officey.
Named to Elle Decor's A-List last year, New York-based Colding once starred on Shop This Room on HGTV; she now creates cozy, inviting interiors that often include enviable art.
With an upcoming TV show and a collection with Z Gallerie, Atlanta-based Michel Smith Boyd is bringing his elevated style to fans across the country.
With his wife, Christina, Me & General Design's General Judd creates playful, contemporary interiors—including the funky bar on the cover of House Beautiful's 2020 Whole Home issue.
As the principal of San Francisco-based McLean Bergel, Shawn McLean Bergel focuses on creating workplaces designed for wellness and innovation.
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