Friday Five // 5 Designers to Follow Now
As we continue to learn and reflect on recent events, our goal is to navigate a path forward in a way that is inclusive both in our personal lives and within our business to both talk the talk and walk the walk with our support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Because while we’ve been sharing our Friday Five with you for years, we’ll admit that we haven’t necessarily sought out Black-owned businesses and designers specifically to feature - and that’s a mistake we need to fix.
It might seem small, but the simple act of diversifying our feeds has a major impact on whose work is seen as important and which designers are seen as the cream of the crop. Too often, designers (like us) have privileged the work of White creators, when all along we should have been seeking to add in new talents from all races and nationalities. Of course, as we’ve heard several Black designers mention over the past few weeks, following Black individuals and businesses on Instagram is great, but doing it for the right reasons is essential. Following simply for appearances (without actually supporting their work or listening to their perspectives on issues) isn’t actually enacting any type of positive change.
We hear that and want to make clear that our intention with this post isn’t to offer a quick-fix solution because there is no such thing as a quick-fix solution to systemic racism - it is a long and challenging journey that requires dedication (especially from the White community). Instead, this post is a step - just a single, first step - towards becoming better allies today and well into the future.
There is so much more we are working on with regards to being actively inclusive here at Laura Engen Interior Design, and we can’t wait to share additional resources with you (stay tuned for our newsletter next week). In the meantime, scroll on down to check out the incredibly talented designers below - their work is nothing short of amazing.
(Oh, and one more thing - be sure to add @badguild - Black Artists + Designers Guild - to your Instagram follow list, too. They are an amazing resource and feature so many more Black designers you’ll definitely want to know!)
NO. 1 JOY STREET DESIGN
I seriously cannot get enough of those soft mint cabinets and that graphic tile backsplash - hello, #kitchengoals! I am head over heels for Kelly Finley's style and I just love how she infuses joy into everything she does. Her designs mix together cheerful colors, whimsical patterns, and a classic aesthetic you won't want to miss.
NO. 2 LUX PAD INTERIORS
Chic and oh-so-stylish, this bathroom is the stuff of dreams and would have me in spa mode 24/7. If you're looking to follow a designer who absolutely nails upscale design, then you've got to follow Tamu, stat. Everything she does definitely has the stamp of luxury, but still feels so approachable and timeless - truly an unbeatable combo.
NO. 3 GAIL DAVIS DESIGNS
Classic and traditional meet glam and bold in Gail Davis's gorgeous designs, and they've got trendsetting Pinterest dreams written all over them. Plus, if you're interested in learning more about interior design from a range of industry pros, she hosts a podcast called Design Perspectives that is worth a subscribe!
NO. 4 STACIE’S SPACES
A girl after my own heart, Stacie is a DIY extraordinaire, boy mom, and all-around fun-loving and inspiring woman. She's a great designer to follow for everything from weekend update tips to sneak peeks into her life with her beautiful family. Oh, and for all you green thumbs out there, her garden is STUNNING - you won't want to miss it.
NO. 5 NIKKI KLUGH DESIGN GROUP
With an eye for colorful and traditional aesthetics, Nikki Klugh's designs are bright, bold, and totally luxurious. Plus, if you're a fan of blue or purple, you'll definitely want to check out her portfolio! I'm personally digging this office design of hers - the shelves, ample desktop space, and storage options make it my kind of workspace, no doubt!
Which design is your fave? Are you kitchen-obsessed or totally in love with that stairway gallery wall? There’s so much inspiration to choose from and we have no doubt you’ll love these designers as much as we do. Cheers to discovering new talents to follow - we can’t wait to see and follow their work.