Latinx-Owned Interior Design Studios That Should Be On Your Radar Right Now

The article showcases four influential Latina interior designers who are making significant contributions to the home decor world, each with a distinctive style that reflects their unique cultural backgrounds and design philosophies. These designers infuse their spaces with a blend of global influences, modern aesthetics, and personal touches, offering a fresh perspective on interior design. Stephanie Watkins, the creative force behind Casa Watkins Living, is known for her "glo-bo" style, which marries global inspirations with a modern farmhouse feel. Her platform serves as a hub for design studios, decor blogs, and DIY projects, encouraging readers to explore eclectic and vibrant living spaces. Watkins’ work is accessible through her website and Instagram, providing a rich source of inspiration for those seeking to incorporate diverse cultural elements into their homes. Monica Benavidez, through her blog Monica Wants It, aims to empower individuals to discover the inherent beauty in their own spaces. She specializes in designs that feature bold color palettes, contemporary elements, and elegant floral motifs. Benavidez's approach emphasizes personalized interiors that resonate with the homeowner's taste, and her designs are widely shared on her Instagram, demonstrating her knack for creating visually striking and harmonious environments. Maca Atencio, originally from Venezuela and now based in Montreal, is the talent behind Hey Maca. Her design aesthetic is characterized by a sophisticated blend of pastel shades and chic designs. Atencio excels at crafting elegant and functional spaces, whether it’s a stylish sitting area or an artistic office. Her unique ability to combine soft colors with modern sensibilities makes her work stand out in the design community. Mary Liz, a Puerto Rican designer, integrates contemporary aesthetics with heartfelt DIY projects through Casa Chic Designs. Her spaces are designed to evoke calmness, often incorporating rustic and coastal elements. Mary Liz is particularly recognized for her children's rooms, which combine comfort with a serene and stylish ambiance. Her work can be explored on her Instagram and Pinterest board, offering inspiration for creating tranquil and charming interiors. Collectively, these Latina designers are celebrated for their ability to weave stories, histories, and cultures into their designs. Their diverse backgrounds and individual design sensibilities position them not just as artists but as cultural storytellers, providing invaluable inspiration for anyone looking to enrich their living spaces with unique flair and personal meaning. #LatinaDesigners #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #StephanieWatkins #MonicaBenavidez #MacaAtencio #MaryLiz #CulturalInfluences #DIYHomeDecor

L.A. DeRiggi, a 35-year-old design professional, has recently established his own firm, Hudson Park Interior Design, following a period of building a loyal clientele at Lovetto Design in Naples. DeRiggi's approach to design is characterized by meticulous attention to detail, stemming from his education in interior architecture and business administration, complemented by his exposure to European design principles during his travels. He notes the influence of Italian style and German engineering on his aesthetic development. Hudson Park Interior Design, named after his two mini Australian shepherds, operates from a 4,000-square-foot showroom. This space is shared with Casa Italia, a prominent furniture company located on Third Street North within the Naples Design District. DeRiggi's vision for Hudson Park is to advance Southwest Florida's design landscape, moving beyond traditional neutral-toned, coastal interiors towards more personal, layered, and contemporary spaces. DeRiggi's design philosophy is rooted in intuitive contemporary design and emphasizes craftsmanship. He works closely with clients to understand their daily routines, including habits like which side of the bed they prefer to get up on, to create customized living spaces that prioritize ease and functionality. His signature style integrates luxurious materials, innovative design solutions, and strategic planning, all of which were hallmarks of his previous work. According to DeRiggi, the influx of new residents and full-time inhabitants in the Southwest Florida region is contributing to a more sophisticated demand in interior design. This demographic shift is driving a preference for interiors that incorporate darker woods, richer color palettes, and experimental elements such as black accents. This trend indicates a departure from the previously dominant light and airy coastal aesthetic. DeRiggi's contributions to the design community have been recognized through various accolades. He has been named an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) “One to Watch” and was included in Gulfshore Business's “40 Under 40” list for 2023. These recognitions highlight his emerging influence and innovative perspective within the design industry, positioning him as a key figure for clients seeking forward-thinking interior solutions in the region. #InteriorDesign #HomeDesign #SouthwestFlorida #DesignTalent #ContemporaryDesign #LuxuryInteriors #DesignDistrict #Craftsmanship #DesignTrends

Los Angeles is experiencing a vibrant surge in its home design retail landscape, with numerous new shops and pop-ups offering a diverse array of styles and unique finds. These establishments cater to a wide range of tastes, from minimalist modern and industrial chic to coastal elegance and vintage aesthetics, attracting both celebrity clientele and design enthusiasts. Cassina, an Italian furniture manufacturer, has opened its largest store to date in Los Angeles. This three-level space, designed by art director Patricia Urquiola, showcases modular works by Virgil Abloh and features its iMastri Collection, which includes timeless pieces resulting from collaborations with significant architects and designers such as Charlotte Perriand and Gaetano Pesce. The showroom is located at 145 N. Robertson Blvd. Olive Ateliers, a shop that has gained popularity through TikTok and Instagram, has become a favorite for home accessories, even attracting celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Elsa Hosk. Co-founded by Kendall Knox, Ben Knox, and Laura Sotelo, Olive Ateliers specializes in “objects with old souls,” such as worn Turkish vases and vintage Chinese elm benches. The store is situated at 1210 Mateo St. Inner Gardens, a long-established garden emporium known for landscape designer Stephen Block’s global finds and reproduction pots, has relocated to a former bank building in Culver City. The store's unique and serendipitous inventory appeals to high-profile clients including Spago, Soho House, Kelly Wearstler, Elton John, and Ellen Pompeo. Its new address is 4444 Sepulveda Blvd. Habitat Home & Garden, a family business with its third outpost in Malibu, emphasizes unique furnishings and one-of-a-kind designs that reflect the laid-back luxury of coastal California. The store, which includes rustic wood furniture, vintage rugs, and sun-bleached accessories, counts the Duke and Duchess of Sussex among its customers. It is located at 21249 Pacific Coast Highway. LDV, an establishment co-founded by Guido Callarelli and Birta Ólafsdóttir, now has a pop-up store near the West Hollywood Design District, allowing in-person viewing of its impeccably restored Art Deco and 1970s-era furniture. Previously, its inventory was available exclusively through an invite-only online platform. The pop-up is at 156 S. Robertson Blvd. Pop-Up Home, a furniture shop previously known for its roving nature, has found a permanent location in Melrose Hill. Founder Tricia Benitez Beanum curates a diverse collection that includes sculptural vintage furniture, 1970s studio pottery, and contemporary art from UNREPD, a gallery co-founded by Beanum that focuses on emerging artists. The store is located at 642 N. Western Ave. NB Shop, run by interior designer Natasha Baradaran, offers an experiential retail space that reflects her tactile approach to home and life, appealing to clients such as Heather and Christopher McQuarrie, Luis Miguel, and Kate Hudson. The shop, located at 725 N. La Cienega Blvd., features her Persian Garden textile collection, inspired by her Iranian heritage. The Expert, a design consultation platform co-founded by John Legend and Chrissy Teigen's interior designer Jake Arnold, has expanded with an e-commerce arm, Showroom, and a by-appointment warehouse in West Adams. The Showroom offers vintage pieces alongside Arnold's made-to-order furniture line. Appointments can be made via email. Flora Grubb Gardens, a well-regarded San Francisco garden shop known for its focus on sustainability and drought-tolerant plants, has opened a new location in Los Angeles, taking over the Marina Del Rey Garden Center at 13198 Mindanao Way. The Future Perfect, led by David Alhadeff, continues to elevate the concept of blending residence and retail with its fourth Los Angeles iteration. Now housed in a historic Beaux-Arts neoclassical home, newly landscaped by Art Luna, the space offers collectible contemporary design by appointment. House of Leon and Tappan Collective, run by siblings Jordan, Steven, and Chelse Neman Nassib, occupy adjacent shops on Melrose Avenue. House of Leon provides stylish and accessible furniture, while Tappan Collective showcases art from emerging talent, demonstrating how to integrate furniture and art seamlessly into residential spaces. They are located at 8200 Melrose Ave. Kalon Studios, known for its minimalist wood furniture favored by Kylie Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, has opened its first space at 3559½ Casitas Ave., Atwater Village, featuring a landscaped roof deck designed by Teremoto. Pierce & Ward, the interior design duo behind homes for celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Dakota Johnson, has opened their first shop at 1956 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz, featuring their maximalist aesthetic softened by sage green walls. Maquette, a collective formed by interior designers Caitlin Scanlon, Abby Wolf-Weiss, and Julie Goldman, has transformed a bungalow into a retail and co-working space. Located at 507 N. Larchmont Blvd., the shop attracts clients like UTA’s Blair Kohan and CAA’s Risa Gertner. Cooper Reynolds Gross has partnered with Fred Segal to launch his first commercial furniture collection, “Feels Right, Feels Good,” at Fred Segal on 8500 Sunset Boulevard. Coup D’Etat, a San Francisco-based gallery, is opening a new location on Robertson Boulevard. It will offer high-end furniture, exclusive artist collaborations, curated vintage pieces, and a dynamic visual program, attracting renowned designers. Gilded Owl, a decorative arts gallery from Hudson Valley, has established a presence on Beverly Boulevard at 7282 Beverly Blvd., showcasing mid-century Italian furniture and collaborations like “The Pool Table Series,” appealing to patrons such as Kirsten Dunst. Seventh House LA, located at 7001 Melrose Ave. in a building designed by Frank Gehry, presents a collection of early 20th-century Art Deco, postmodern, and contemporary art furniture. Albertz Benda | Friedman Benda, a New York gallery, has an L.A. outpost at 8260 Marmont Lane, aiming to broaden the concept of art and design by incorporating craft, architecture, and technology. This addition is significant for the L.A. design scene, as noted by interior designer Oliver M. Furth. Studio Balestra, Adriano Balestra’s shop at 767 N. La Cienega Blvd., blends his Italian heritage with Japanese antiquities to create a unique wabi-sabi aesthetic. This compilation provides an overview of the burgeoning home design scene in Los Angeles, highlighting various styles, celebrity endorsements, and key figures driving the industry. #LosAngeles #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryFurniture #VintageDecor #Lifestyle #Retail #ArtAndDesign #CelebrityStyle

This article, titled "January/February 2024 Resources," serves as a comprehensive guide, providing contact information for various entities featured in the January/February 2024 issue of Midwest Design Magazine. The resource guide is categorized by sections that likely correspond to different articles or features within the magazine, offering readers direct access to designers, builders, suppliers, and retailers involved in the showcased projects and products. The "Around Town" section lists businesses such as Fusion Designed, an architectural and interior design firm; Art Resources Gallery, specializing in art for interiors; Moss Envy, a provider of greenery and botanicals; Coyuchi, known for organic bedding and home textiles; and Heti, which offers design products. These resources collectively cover aspects of interior design, art acquisition, and home decor. "Kitchen Commodities" focuses on resources relevant to kitchen design and construction. It includes Blue Pencil Collective, likely an interior design or staging company, and Hagstrom Builder, a construction firm specializing in residential building. These listings are crucial for readers interested in renovating or designing their kitchens. "Suite Spaces" highlights resources related to specific interior spaces, possibly bedrooms or private retreats. This section features Dana Thompson, likely an individual designer, Owamni, which appears to be a restaurant or hospitality venue that might have notable interior design, and Mrs Moonwood, a company that could offer unique home furnishings or decor items. "Country Club Classic" offers contacts for a specific style of home design, suggesting classic and elegant aesthetics. Sarah Schaffer, Talley Jane Interiors, and LNA Design are listed here, all of whom are likely interior designers or design firms capable of creating sophisticated and timeless residential spaces. "A Soulful Spark" provides resources for projects with a focus on unique character and perhaps a more handcrafted or historical appeal. MA Peterson Designbuild is a design-build firm, Brown Cow Design suggests a design studio, Manomin Resawn Timbers specializes in reclaimed wood, Architectural Antiques offers historical building elements, and Visual Comfort & Co. provides lighting. These resources cater to projects seeking distinctive materials and a sense of history. "Going the Final Mile" includes Bokser Home, a brand for home goods, and Yond Interiors, an interior design firm, suggesting resources for finishing touches and comprehensive design services. "Revisions" features Tara Cain Design and WB Builders, likely an interior design firm and a construction company, respectively, indicating resources for renovation and remodeling projects. Finally, "Get the Look" lists a variety of product suppliers for readers aiming to replicate specific aesthetics seen in the magazine. This includes Ambella Home and Lexington Home Brands for furniture, Deljou Art Group for art, Fireside Hearth & Home for fireplaces, Fantasia Showroom and Ashore Lighting for lighting solutions, Bokara Rug Co. for rugs, Holly Hunt for luxury furnishings, and Julian Design for custom window treatments or upholstery. This section is a curated list of vendors for various home decor elements. Overall, the article functions as a practical directory, connecting readers with the professionals and products showcased in the magazine's January/February 2024 issue, encompassing various aspects of home design, remodeling, and decoration. #HomeDesignResources #InteriorDesign #BuildingAndRemodeling #HomeDecor #DesignFirms #ProductSuppliers #ArchitecturalAntiques #LightingSolutions #KitchenDesign

This editor's letter discusses the common design dilemma faced by homeowners regarding interior paint colors, specifically the popularity of gray walls, which a Zillow study indicates can increase a home's sale price by up to $2,512. The article acknowledges the financial pressure homeowners face in the current real estate market, making them hesitant to deviate from popular trends like gray paint for fear of devaluing their property. This sentiment is extended to renters who often lack the freedom to personalize their living spaces due to precarious lease agreements and limited protections in the U.S. The author argues against the "tyranny of a trend," suggesting that adhering strictly to popular decor styles, such as "oatmeal minimalism," "modern farmhouse kitsch," or "millennial pastels," ultimately leads to a loss of personal expression in one's home. The piece encourages individuals to embrace their unique aesthetic preferences and to make their homes truly their own, rather than conforming to transient fads. It draws a parallel to past design trends like avocado green and wood paneling, which were once fashionable but eventually became outdated, indicating that current popular styles like gray walls will also pass. The article emphasizes that a home should reflect the personality and obsessions of its inhabitants, serving as a personal sanctuary rather than a marketable commodity dictated by fleeting trends. This perspective aims to empower readers to be bold and fearless in their decor choices. To inspire readers, the article highlights several unconventional renovations, including a layered townhouse in Lisbon, an open-concept apartment in Kosovo, and a maximalist 19th-century house in Chicago filled with its owners' eclectic tastes. It also promotes the annual "Dwell 24" list, featuring emerging designers creating innovative furniture, lighting, and objects to help readers furnish their homes uniquely. The author concludes by advising homeowners not to apologize for their individual design choices, whether it's glass bricks, an apron sink, or wall-to-wall carpeting. While acknowledging practical considerations like preparing a home for sale, the overarching message is to prioritize personal style and comfort, asserting that everyone deserves to live in a home that truly reflects their chosen aesthetic. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RealEstateTrends #PersonalExpression #DesignFreedom #ArchitecturalStyle #RenovationIdeas #DwellMagazine #EmergingDesigners