Before the pandemic, who could have imagined spending months in the house, separated from friends, family and cultural, dining and entertainment venues. With all the losses and limitations the outbreak has wrought, I can think of one upside. Many of us are reevaluating our home spaces and revamping them to reflect balance, creativity, comfort and taste. I’ve fallen even deeper in love with interior design. And everyone I know seems to be in the middle of a project. Here are a few of my favorite Black-owned home decor brands. They offer pieces in a variety of price ranges to outfit any stylish sanctuary.
Furniture, rugs, accents
Souk Bohemian offers earthy and textural rugs, candles, drinkware art and more. The statement-making candleholders and vases make subtle, yet stunning, visual elements. Most small decorative pieces, like the modernist marble candleholder, $45, fall under $75. (SoukBohemian.com)
While known for his sexy rock-star-style and throaty vocals, Lenny Kravtiz has been making a quiet impact on the world of interior design for years. Several years ago, Kravitz Design and CB2 launched a line of contemporary, minimalist rugs, chairs, consoles and other decor. My eye gravitated to affordable pieces like the 18-inch Dream Pillow in warm neutrals, $40. (CB2.com)
Tabletop
There’s something special about dining at a beautifully set table. Estelle Colored Glass, created by Stephanie Summerson Hall, sells glasses and stemware with delightfully unexpected color stories. Mix and match from among lavender, mint green, rose, blush pink, cobalt blue and many more. Those looking for something distinctive will appreciate that some of the stemware sets are hand-blown by glass artisans to a generous 16 ounces. Under $200 for a set of six. (EstelleColoredGlass.com)
Effortless Composition, founded by Brittiny Terry, offers eclectic wares that have an artsy bohemian flair. The debossed stoneware plate sets are a perfect dining room accent, running from $11 for the smaller size to $14 for dinner plates. (EffortlessComposition.com)
Kitchenware
Many of us are trying recipes we would've never had the chance to before the pandemic hit. One thing I’ve learned by trying to replicate my favorite restaurant meals is that I need more than just a trusty skillet, saucepan and an oversized spoon! Karibe offers an array of high-quality cookware and utensil options that are too stylish to store in a drawer, like an asymmetrical black walnut cutting board for $36. (KaribeCompany.com)
Wall art
If you want a statement piece for a focal point or gallery wall, consider Simone Agoussoye’s iconic portraits featuring the Obamas, Malcolm X, MLK, Aaliyah, Kobe Bryant and other historymakers, rendered in sparkling materials like crushed glass. While original works come with the price tags expected of an investment piece, the site also offers prints, canvases and posters in dimensions ranging from small to oversized for between $10-$200. (SimoneAgoussoye.com)
For the lover of luxe, interior designer Yannette Lerbrun of YL Designz Art Studio creates original multimedia wall art and coasters that resemble oversized gems and geodes. Imagine jewelry for your wall and functional gems for your drinks. The prismatic wall art rendered in birch wood, crushed glass, resin, glitter and Swarovski crystals runs at about $600 for a 24-by-30-inch custom piece. A set of six handmade coasters in the icy Winter Flower design for $75 also caught my eye. (YLDesignz.com/art-studio)
Art brings a home to life and gives it personality. Sareka Unique has original paintings on canvas that incorporate vibrant floral and abstract patterns that just make me smile. I especially like the Night & Day piece, $400. (SarekaUnique.com)
Bedding
Designed and founded by the late model, restaurateur and lifestyle guru, the B. Smith decor line offers minimalist, textural window treatments and premium bedding. Filled with 100 percent white duck down, the Junouesque Comforter has a timeless jacquard design in ultra-luxurious 300-thread-count cotton, $514. (Macys.com)
