Preparation
Purchasing Black makers’ work is an impactful way to support the Black community, and doing so is one of many ways that we can intentionally practice anti-racism in our everyday lives. Here, we’ve curated incredible creatives—from ceramicists, upholsterers, furniture designers, and more—with home décor and textile shops that you need to know about, now and always. Learn their stories and support their businesses: We are, and we hope you will, too.
Stephanie Summerson Hall (above)—an attorney turned entrepreneur—designs the prettiest, most delightful glassware. Her collection of candy-colored wine glasses and cake stands are inspired by her grandmother, and the brand’s namesake, Estelle; Stephanie fondly recalls collecting vibrant glass and antiquing with her as a child.
Based in Washington, D.C., independent furniture designer and upholster Nicole Crowder has been upgrading pieces with maximalist patterns and colors since 2013; she favors eclectic, bold textiles that feel fashion-forward. “I love making a piece look and feel like it’s dressed,” she explained in an interview with Martha Stewart Living.
A manifestation of her love for all things travel, jazz music, and Harlem, Teri Johnson’s company Harlem Candle Co. was launched in 2014. We’re particularly fond of the brand’s Harlem Botanical Collection; these candles are as aesthetically pleasing as they are fragrant.
This treasure-filled shop, located in Southampton Village, New York, was founded by sisters Tanya and Temidra Willock at the end of 2018. As they transformed and filled the space, a former candy shop, they did so with island life in mind. They grew up visiting Antigua, something they channeled directly into their offerings, melding a global perspective with coastal Hamptons flair. In their online shop, you’ll find colorful textiles, handmade pottery, rugs, and local art—it’s a hidden gem, indeed.
Believe us, you haven’t seen art quite like this: Ronni Nicole Robinson, of Ron Nicole, immortalizes wildflowers through her scenic plaster reliefs, or flower fossils, if you will. She times her work with the summer season, when blooms are at their best; her next drop of creations will be available this fall (so be sure to take the steps necessary to get on the waitlist).
Natalie Yaa Obenewa’s homeware brand, Britain-based Bespoke Binny, is an ode to culture and bright color. All of her creations—from table runners and pillows to aprons and oven gloves—are composed of West African cloth. Her lampshades, in particular, are one of a kind. Best of all, she’s currently holding workshops to teach all of us how to make them ourselves.
Born in Sweden, designer Johanna Howard takes a global approach when curating her shop; she works with artisans—including “the dyers in the highlands of Peru and the weaving families of Portugal,” reads her bio—from all walks of the life to create bespoke textiles, including throws and pillows, for your home.
With pillows, throws, and towels in neutral, goes-with-everything monochromes and iterations in punchy pinks, reds, and purples, Bolé Road Textiles, helmed by former architect Hana Getachew, is a one-stop textile shop. Her creations meld her love for interior design and Ethiopian handwoven fabrics.
Malene Barnett works with wools, silks, pastels, and clay when creating her art, from ceramic tiles and sculptures to paintings. All of her masterpieces are designed to share her African heritage with the world—and uncover a deeper understanding of cultural identity.
Interior designer Sheila Bridges’ Harlem Toile de Jouy collection was born out of her own search for the perfect toile wallpaper. The French patterns simply didn’t speak to her or her family, so she designed her own, composing toile-inspired scenes that tackle the stereotypes woven into the African American experience. She then expanded, bringing these patterns to fabrics, bedding, plates, glassware, umbrellas, and clothing.
In the process of planning a re-paint? Support Nicole Gibbons’ company, Clare, which has revolutionized the interior paint shopping process; designer-curated colors, mess-free swatches, and high-quality formulas make choosing and applying paint a breeze.
Dana Baug of Baughaus Design Studio brings a tropical modernity to her hand-made ceramics, lighting, furniture, and soft goods for the home. We’re particularly fond of her simple shell-shaped server trays, which are inspired by her Caribbean roots. They feel beachy and whimsical, but contemporary.
Jomo Tariku resides in Virginia, where he spotlights African culture through his contemporary seating line, Jomo Furniture. He’s known for his Birthing Chair, the design for which was inspired by seats women in Sub-Saharan Africa use during labor; modern, structural stools are also part of his arsenal.
Justina Blakeney, a designer, artist, and entrepreneur, created the ultimate line of bohemian home goods at Jungalow, which carries everything from her original art to wallpaper, mirrors, tabletop goods, baskets, and more.
Complete with romantic brushed ceramics and braided hanging lamps (they will take your breath away), Marie Burgos’ eponymous homeware line draws inspiration from both French design and her family’s native home of Martinique.
