Why This Memphis-Based Black Designer Will Always Support Local Businesses

Acknowledging the contribution of Black interior designers to the design and decor spaces is crucial to moving forward and giving all voices, regardless of their backgrounds, the space to be heard. We’re highlighting talented Black interior designers who are thriving in the industry today.

Laquita Tate is a self-taught interior designer and the mind behind Laquita Tate Interior Styling & Designs. Though her love of interior spaces started at a young age, she founded LTISD in 2020 and has been designing interior spaces ever since. With a background in education, Tate wanted to ensure that she was an expert in her career and so she saw it through by earning an interior design certification from the New York Insitute for Interior Design in 2023.

What made you decide that being a designer was your calling?

I’ve always loved perusing through home magazines and even ripping out some of the designs. I wasn’t thinking anything about being a designer at that time, but I knew I loved pretty spaces. Once I graduated with PhD in Education, I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands.

I knew I wanted to do something creative, so I decided to finally get my own house in order. Once I started doing home projects and putting them on social media, I had some people reach out about doing their spaces. It quickly grew into an interior design business.

How would you describe your style and approach to designing spaces?

I would describe my style as modern or midcentury modern. I am drawn to neutral tones, objects that have texture, and items that are simple with clean lines.

I want the spaces I design to reflect the homeowners, so I start by asking a variety of questions. This helps me to know what my clients like or don’t like. It also lets me know how they plan on using their space. Once I have all the needed information, I proceed with putting the design plan together.

Do you have any design inspiration, whether it be from your culture, other cultures, or anything else in between?

I find design inspiration from every aspect of life. I could be walking down the street and see a color story. This may inspire me for a future project. In my culture, we like color, layers, and textures. You can see this in a lot of black artwork which I make sure to incorporate into my clients' spaces.

What design project have you done that’s stuck with you throughout your career?

A recent whole home renovation project is going to stick with me throughout my career. Although everything turned out beautifully, this project pushed me and taught me many lessons. After this project, I decided to change up some processes that I had in place.

Being a Memphis native, do you incorporate the communities you grew up in into your work?

The communities that I grew up in helped to shape the woman that I am today. I try to buy and support Memphis local businesses as much as possible, so items from them can be used to style a space. At times, I will use artwork that has the Memphis Bridge or some art that is reminiscent of Memphis.

[Being a Black designer] means to be true to you, to be your authentic self, and to design how you see fit.

What does it mean to you to be Black in your industry?

It means to be true to you, to be your authentic self, and to design how you see fit. It also means you have to fight for your chance at the table or you have to make your own table. I prefer the latter.

What’s your favorite part of your own home?

I am currently doing a makeover of my bedroom, and it has got to be my favorite room right now. It has beautiful textured wallpaper, amazing artwork, oversized rug, etc. I smile immediately when I step into my bedroom.

What’s one thing you try to incorporate in every space you design?

Artwork will always be incorporated into any space that I design. I love to use artwork for pops of color. Additionally, a space is incomplete when there is no art on the walls or other places in the home.

The artwork brings the entire space together. Plants are another item that I will always use when I design. I use them to add greenery, height, and depth to a space. This can bring visual interest to your home.

What design trend are you tired of?

I don’t know if this is a trend anymore, but I’m tired of seeing too many pillows on a bed or couch. Half your bed should not be covered in decorative pillows. Instead, a person should do two throw pillows and a lumbar pillow. However, there are other options, but not 15 pillows.

What's your go-to place for nice decor?

If I am shopping to style out a space, I usually will pick up items from CB2 and West Elm. If it's furniture items or rugs, I love Lulu and Georgia pieces.

Where's the best place you've ever been design-wise?

1 Hotel in Miami. It is simply a beautiful hotel. It was well thought out and designed to perfection.

Read Next: This Black Designer Shares 3 Essential Design Philosophies: Color, Charm, and Passion

Read the original article on The Spruce.