The House that Visionaries Built
Angelo Surmelis, award winning designer featured on over fifty television shows, host for networks HGTV and TLC, author and owner of angelo: HOME, based in Los Angeles, CA
Living Room
Why is diversity in design an issue that the industry needs to embrace?
It's simple--our world is diverse, we want to mirror that. There's more richness, texture, and creativity in the mix when we embrace beyond what we already know. I don't want to live in a place where everything and everyone is the same.
What would your suggestions or actionable ideas be for exhibitors, designers, retailers, etc.?
Go outside your comfort zone and network of resources & people you know. Celebrate others and give designers, makers, retailers that aren't always given the spotlight the opportunity to shine--remember that no one is your competition, they are another reflection of creativity. It takes all of us working together to take something from beautiful to extraordinary. I've never been disappointed when someone else with incredible talent takes center stage.
How do you incorporate your own background, history and heritage into your own design work?
I was born in Germany to Greek parents that left their home country for work. When we went back to Greece I grew up around so much nature, that it informed my early perception of beauty, color, texture, and the simplicity of design. When we moved the United States (Chicago) it was such a stark contrast. I immediately fell in love with my new adopted country, and the wealth of design in Chicago architecture lit a fire in me. I started out as an architect major mostly because of my love of Chicago's architectural landscape, before I moved into fine art and design. I try to use all those elements, the natural simplicity, architectural details, and the freedom of fine art when I design.
About Your Design Work & Room
How would you describe your overall design philosophy?
Instinctual Mix. I love to design rooms for my clients that have absolutely nothing to do with me, and feel like they are an extension of their layered personality. The best design compliment I can get is if my client entertains after we've finished their home, and they hear someone say, "You have such great style." Instead of "Who designed your home?"
What was your favorite part about designing this room?
Finding ways to make it feel glamorous without being stuffy.
What were your inspirations in the room design?
I grew up idolizing old Hollywood black and white films. We were very working class, and our home life was quite simple. Seeing the way some people lived in those films made me think that they were living in a dream. I wanted to create a more attainable, lived in, real life version of that Hollywood glamour.
Evette Rios, interior designer, lifestyle expert and television host
Master Bedroom
Why is diversity in design an issue that the industry needs to embrace?
Design is a direct reflection of who we are, what our values are and what we believe in. The more diverse voices included in all aspects of design helps elevate and normalize all human experiences. The more diversity is in design the less stratified things will be. There is no one way to live and use a space, there are a myriad of lifestyles that good design must support and if we embrace that with creativity everyone will feel more valued and relevant. It is a win win for everyone!
What would your suggestions or actionable ideas be for exhibitors, designers, retailers, etc.?
I think that exhibitors, designers and retailers need to diversify their teams. It's not enough to talk about diversity or to create products with diversity in mind. The people that represent a community outside of the dominant one within the company should be included- As designers, marketers, and in focus groups. If your organization is small and hiring new people is not an option, find a way to collaborate with a diverse group of designers/creators through one off projects of consultations. Amplifying the voices of others will amplify the voice of your brand.
How do you incorporate your own background, history and heritage into your own design work?
I love color. I think you can’t travel and see the world and not appreciate the effect it has on our mood and how it is an intrinsic part of how we express ourselves as human beings. Spending a lot of time as an adult in Central and South America has made me appreciate how much life color can give you.
About Your Design Work & Room
How would you describe your overall design philosophy?
There is an old saying, I am not sure who it is attributed to but it goes “ use it up, wear it out, make it due or do without” and I love it. It is truly one of my mantras. My design philosophy is about adaptive reuse, finding new creative uses for things and keeping spaces sustainable by not buying lots of disposable furniture and accessories. I like spaces to reflect the user and make them feel inspired, nourished and supported.
What was your favorite part about designing this room?
The bedroom has to serve so many purposes, for me, it is where I read, relax, do my yoga, and sometimes get work done. Creating seamless ways to do that within this space was the most exciting part of designing it.
What were your inspirations in the room design?
I purchased a colonial home in Pennsylvania a few years ago that is dripping with period (it was built in 1796) detail. I have struggled with the balance of keeping the historic integrity of the house without having it look like a place you go to see a historical reenactment. The space that I redesigned is my actual bedroom and represents a merging of the classical design of the home while adding fresh/modern and personal touches that reflect me and my family.
Kelly Finley, founder and principal designer of Joy Street Design, based in Oakland, CA and member of the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG)
Kitchen
Why is diversity in design an issue that the industry needs to embrace?
Diversity in design is important because diversity breeds innovation and ideas. Having the same look in every space does not encourage creativity or engagement from others. By focusing on people from a variety of backgrounds, races, and genders, the entire industry becomes more interesting and the design world improves.
What would your suggestions or actionable ideas be for exhibitors, designers, retailers, etc.?
I think the biggest thing that gatekeepers in the industry can do is to expand their horizons. Diversity in design is not new - there have always been a wide variety of people making art, fabric, and curating interesting collections. Until you attempt to seek out different makers, you will continue to only find the same people over and over. This theory also applies to the diverse people with an audience that are constantly highlighted. While that brings us one step closer to more diversity, it is imperative to seek out smaller creators and makers that are not easily found.
What were your inspirations in the room design?
I believe my background, history and heritage are embedded in every ounce of my body. I can’t design anything without there being a reference to all that I have seen and done. For example, I believe my love for color comes from the happiness I associate with my childhood home that had a different paint color on practically every wall. So for me, color is joy and joy is colorful.
Mikel Welch, celebrity host & designer on Quibi’s Murder House Flip, product designer and Founder of Mikel Welch Design
Family Room
Why is diversity in design an issue that the industry needs to embrace?
Diversity within the design industry is a subject that has been a bit taboo, but is time to be exposed. As someone who works in TV and the high-end design world, I frequently find myself in rooms where I am one of few who look like me. I have been very fortunate to break some molds in the design world, and hope that this same olive branch will be extended to other designers of color. Often, designers of color are lumped into a “sub category.” I’ve always prided myself on being a “great designer “who happens to be Black. But, more often than not, I’m framed or listed as a “great Black designer.” I think I speak for the majority of designers of color, when I say that we want to be appreciated for our talent and not just for our color of our skin.
What would your suggestions or actionable ideas be for exhibitors, designers, retailers, etc.?
I think brands should delve a bit deeper when exploring talent to consider working with in the design world. There are tons of talented designers of color who can add great value to the design community. I would also urge brands to continue to have conversations amongst themselves and look at their corporate structure. Brand should ask themselves…How many people of color do we have on our management team? This is a serious problem that I run into rather frequently in High Point/Vegas Market. A majority of the ground crew, greeters, janitors and security officers are people of color, but it’s rare to see a significant amount of brown people in corporate leadership roles while at market. The same goes for showrooms/exhibitors. It’s typical to see a few minority attendants scanning badges as you enter the showrooms, but it’s rare to find brown members of management on the salesroom floors. It’s time for brands to examine this and ask why?
What were your inspirations in the room design?
I have a primitive modern design aesthetic, and tend to gravitate towards rustic and imperfect objects that tell a story. I am drawn to African objects such as oversized wood watering vessels, intricately carved seating and tables, as well as beads. I try to incorporate a piece of my African heritage into my designs when possible. But, I never try to force or push an African element into my designs. If it works great…if not, I won’t do it. This is a tricky balance because the moment a black designer has multiple “African objects” in a space, the room is quickly labeled as a “black designer’s room.” I pride myself on trying to find that balance when designing, so I am not pre-judged before people even meet me. Again, I want to be noted as a “great designer,” not a “great Black designer.”
Design Work & Room
How would you describe your overall design philosophy?
I believe design should tell a story. Every home is a novel waiting to be written, and designers are the authors of these books.
What was your favorite part about designing this room?
My favorite part of the room is the comfortable and relaxed feeling that you instantly take in. The soothing color pallet of beige, teal and grey making this room a welcoming retreat at any time of the day. Being that I used neutrals, I wanted a rug that could liven things up a bit. The Chris Loves Julia collection rug for Loloi is definitely the star of the show! The tones of sage and blush in their Rosemary Rug gives the room the perfect harmony and balance.
What were your inspirations in the room design?
I wanted to tell a story of a family who loves to travel, and has an affinity for collecting unique hand-carved pieces while on vacation. Back at home, they love to showcase their finds in a sophisticated yet casual manor.
Veronica Solomon, award winning designer, design business mentor and course creator, blogger, speaker and micro-influencer and CEO & Creative Director of Casa Vilora Interiors, based in Katy, TX and member of Black Interior Design Network (BIDN) and BADG
Dining Room
Why is diversity in design an issue that the industry needs to embrace?
There is a lot of real talent out there, and in my experience as a design mentor, I know that a lot of newer designers who don't quite feel confident yet can benefit from great opportunities to feature their work in publications and market events. That will bring about more diversity and new perspectives in design.
What would your suggestions or actionable ideas be for exhibitors, designers, retailers, etc.?
Host design contests or open call for designers who are also content creators to collaborate with them. Bring about product licensing opportunities or have designers do some of their market displays.
How do you incorporate your own background, history and heritage into your own design work?
I first incorporate my colorful heritage into my own home, so clients can get a real appreciation for it in real life. They are much more open to incorporating it into their homes.
About Your Design Work & Room
How would you describe your overall design philosophy?
I believe that each room should tell the story of the clients who live there and be true to their lifestyle and style. I accomplish this by incorporating their own collections and treasures, even if they can't see how beautiful they could be in the right setting.
What was your favorite part about designing this room?
I enjoyed exploring each vendor's website and seeing all the beautiful products they offer.
What were your inspirations in the room design?
I was inspired by a young lady that I met recently who wanted a space that is slightly feminine and strong. My understanding of that is that she wanted a great balance between contemporary, clean lines but soft colors at the same time. I started with the beautiful Bokara Rug and built the design from there.
Linda Allen, interior & lighting designer, named by Library of Congress as an African American “Artmaker”, member of BADG and Founder of Linda Allen Designs and Live Anywhere Wireless Lighting, based in Las Vegas, NV
Home Office
Why is diversity in design an issue that the industry needs to embrace? Why?
Because we all are made from a variety of cultural and diverse heritages. That’s the beauty of life. If one rose was the same as all the others, the world would be predictable and monotone. That’s why it’s important for us to design spaces with a variety of perspectives that become meaningful for everyone.
What would your suggestions or actionable ideas be for exhibitors, designers, retailers, etc.?
Well, a wider lens on perspective is everything. Wealth and happiness is really based on how we see the world. Designers are focusing on that more in today’s political climate. But, it’s more important now, more than ever. It used to be that we strived to "get that”, or “be that person”. But, highlighting personal stories with products and designs, means more today than what we thought money could buy in the past.
How do you incorporate your own background, history and heritage into your own design work?
My dad gave me the "gift of perspective" from traveling to developing nations before he passed. I met the happiest people who had absolutely no material wealth. So, it’s more than just plucking cultural textures and materials and placing them in your designs. It’s finding a way to "touch the heart”. So, I like to add and repurpose family heirlooms in my designs. I love getting a vintage lamp, rewiring it, and adding a custom modern shade with vintage trim that creates a story. But, there are so many other ways we can create meaningful designs. We just need to “ pay attention” to what makes our clients happy. If you listen and watch them, it’s usually not just “that thing” they want. It’s really Why they want “that thing”makes them smile.
About Your Design Work & Room
How would you describe your overall design philosophy?
I love creating designs and lighting for my clients that create purpose and meaning for their lifestyles.
What was your favorite part about designing this room?
Designing around the meaning of Art - so fun to design around an artist’s story, especially in an office!
What were your inspirations in the room design?
In an office, I wanted to work around “thought”. So, I created a composition around “thinking”. I got accessory focused. I found a “task” lamp for focusing on the surface, a cool clock, and of course the Art! So fun!