Changing the Color of Design: Women Elevating the Game of Style
How we create and shape our environments, especially our homes, can impact the way we work, relax and navigate each day, and have been heavily influenced by Black creatives. While the world of design is inspiring, it’s also competitive — and unfortunately lacks diversity. In light of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating a few Black female designers who are changing the world of interior design.
Based in Brooklyn, New York, Malene Djellaba Barnett draws from her ancestors to spotlight a growing trend in contemporary interior design celebrating Black culture, joy and legacies. Her design thoughtfully sheds light on the African Diaspora poignantly sharing her African heritage with a global audience. As Founder of the Black Artists + Designers Guild which amplifies the work and voices of Black creatives, she has recently teamed up with Lulu & Georgia to launch a special collection of colorful and texture-rich wall coverings inspired by Malene’s sculptural ceramic tiles. Her designs encourage consumers to experiment with patterns and different textures in their home.
Drawing inspiration from her grandmother who shares her first name, Delia Kenza officially launched her home design career more than a decade ago. Real estate to renovations for clients, she prefers to add bold, clean lines, neutral accents, a modern approach, character and dimensions to any space she touches. She puts her own interpretation on what elegance means in the 21st century. Influenced by everything from an evening spent at the ballet to an art exhibit, Delia’s design inclinations have resulted in beautiful, practical and unique interiors. Delia’s top three design tips: pick something you love and run with it, don’t be afraid to go moody and finally — just have fun! Her design mantra is “do your thang.”
Committed to community enhancement and cultural elevation, Robin Staten is changing the game in luxury wellness by creating one-of-a-kind hospitality experiences for all. This Indianapolis trendsetter designs idyllic getaways that act as a welcome respite from city life. Launched in her native Indianapolis, Tiny Urban Escapes is a boutique hotel company that converts shipping containers into unique semi-glass private suites — with the mission of bringing sustainable tourism and exciting new experiences to her local community while encouraging more people who look like her to find success in the industry. It’s what Robin calls triage hospitality. When you look at the work of Robin Staten, you’ll notice the luxurious combination of color, texture and greenery. Enjoying respite in a TUE Luxe Suite is the ultimate act of self-care. Robin invites you to take a break from the stress and chaos of life and lounge at one of her seven Tiny Urban Escapes.
The creatives highlighted have long been influencing art, design and culture —but most have not been properly celebrated. The industry has missed out on the opportunity to know and celebrate their talent, ingenuity and unique perspectives. And that needs to change. Their stories and contributions to society are imperative to the art and design industries and deserve to be known by all, not just by a few.
References
Crystal Walker is the chief communicator and creative strategist for CrystaRene Consulting and a regular contributor at Hope magazine. Crystal is a published writer, event planner, voice-over talent, graphic designer, educator, communications coach and former radio personality.