It’s A Diversity Thing

 “Today, nobody cares /But tomorrow they will, they will/Today, nobody cares /But, oh, tomorrow they will, they will /They said my future was dark /You see me now? /Just look around /I’m beamin’” ~ I’m Beaming by Lupe Fiasco

Over the past few months, I’ve had numerous conversations with fellow interior designers about the lack of diversity in the design industry, specifically in interior design. One of my design besties asked me  “where are all the African American interior designers on Twitter? I don’t feel like we have a voice”. She was frustrated and so was I. With all the social media outlets out there (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace,  Meetup, etc.) that are designed to “connect” people, we still felt “unconnected” to people in the industry that looked like us. We know they exist. Finding them is the hard part. But I’m pleased that efforts are being made to improve this. Here are examples of  organizations, online groups, and networking opportunities, etc. that are connecting us.  My goal is to find out what other active groups are out there for people of color.  But first, check out my monthly feature, Hue of the Month,  which are e-interviews of African American interior designers. This month’s Hue is Alyce Amani Bush. Now back to the list…

Facebook.com – Blacks Who Love Interior Design http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=185893508848&ref=ts 

Meetup.com – The Society of African-American Interior Designers – http://intdesign.meetup.com/165/

Black Interior Design Showcase (BIDS) – Ning.com online networking site –  http://blackinteriordesigners.ning.com/

Organization of Black Designers – http://www.core77.com/OBD/welcome.html

E-book – 28 Days of Diversity in Design – http://www.designincolorblog.com/?page_id=38. The e-book gives readers an up close and personal look at some of the movers and shakers in the design industry.  It highlights the work of  product designers, interior designers, and furniture designers who also happen to be people of the color. Oh, and it’s free. *e-flip*

BTW, if you are planning to attend the NY Design Week this month be sure to check out the official launch party for 28 Days of Diversity in Design and its blog Design in Color on May 17th at 6 p.m. Many of the designers featured in the e-book will be at the party. Click on the link for more details:  http://diversityindesign.eventbrite.com/

This is my attempt to do an e-roll call. I will update this list periodically. In the meantime, who have I missed? Are there any other groups that should be added to this list? I want to make sure we are all PRESENT (in my first grader’s voice) Chime in.

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DecoAccents: Pillow Fight

“I know your trying to get creative with my love/and that’s alright, but/you tried to get a little tricky, turned my back/and then you slipped me a mickey/Certainly, certainly, certainly not me” ~ Certainly by Erykah Badu

Decorating with throw pillows is a simple way to perk up a room and add a pop of color to a couch, side chair or bed. If you are craving change or want to update a space, give your room an instant makeover by adding a few throw pillows. Check out some of my favorite looks.

  

Tribal Dancers by Pipe Designs

 I love the African inspired print on this pillow.

French Linen by Dedee on Etsy

This pillow has a very whimsical and romantic look. I can picture it on a cozy day bed or window seat.

Reflectives by The Home Centric

These designs by The Home Centric are fun and glamorus. Who doesn’t love a little sparkle?

Exotica by The Home Centric

Haze Mimosa by Aphro Chic

Ikat fabric is totally in this year! This bold fabric design has popped up in decorative pillows, bedding, rugs, clothing, and kitchenware items. Ikat is a traditional weaving technique where the fabric is dyed, similar to the tie-dye process, before it is woven to create the final pattern. This technique is commonly found in Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and South America.

Mandala Black and White by Aphro Chic

Photo Courtesy of Real Simple by photographer Ellen Silverman

 

 

 

Who are some of your favorite throw pillow vendors? Do you typically like to use an even or odd number of pillows? What are some non-traditional ways that you like to display throw pillows?

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