Pride in Design: Celebrating Identity Through Interiors

This Pride Month, we are celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and self-expression through the creative lens of influential LGBTQIA+ interior designers. Just as every space should tell a story, these designers boldly weave narratives of identity into their work.  

Join us in honouring their contributions and the vibrant, inclusive future they inspire in design. 

 

Nate Berkus: Character and interior 

Chicago-based interior designer Nate Berkus has quickly become a household name. Establishing a business at 24 and making regular appearances on Oprah, Berkus sees the home as an extension of a person, “what they have seen, who they love and where they hope to go next”. 

Teaming up with husband Jeremiah Brent for a TV show, crafting product lines and designing for celebrities, Berkus proudly infuses his interiors with character, reminding us that our homes are canvases of identity. 

 

Sawyer DeVuyst: Reclaiming transgender storytelling 

Sawyer DeVuyst, a transgender actor, artist, and interior designer, splits his time between Los Angeles and New York. As the founder of SAW, a furniture and interior design company, Sawyer has provided innovative designs for clients such as the Wythe Hotel, Etsy Headquarters, and Amazon Offices.  

DeVuyst is recognised for his minimalist, industrial interior design, punctuated with vibrant, bold colours. Through his work, like his self-portrait collection titled ‘Mine,’ Sawyer aims to reclaim transgender storytelling and offer an intimate glimpse into his life, unashamedly bringing his identity to the forefront of his work. 

 

Alan Buchsbaum: Breaking conventions 

In the heart of American design's golden age, Alan Buchsbaum left an indelible mark. From the swinging 60s to the neon 80s, Buchsbaum fearlessly navigated the Supergraphics, High-Tech, and Postmodernism movements, breaking design conventions along the way. 

Based in the dynamic city of New York until his passing in 1987, Buchsbaum's designs defied norms, embracing courage and authenticity. His legacy was a testament to his unwavering belief in artistic integrity. 

 

Jonathan Adler: Redefining modern American glamour 

From a farm town in New Jersey to the bustling streets of the Big Apple, Jonathan Adler's journey is a testament to passion and perseverance. 

In 1993, Adler's big break came when Barneys picked up his collection of pots, paving the way for his first store five years later. Renowned for his eccentric designs and passion for pottery, Adler seamlessly blends classicism with humour, crafting pieces that redefined 'Modern American Glamour.' 

His whimsical style and bold approach prove that genuineness is the key to success in the ever-evolving world of design. 

 

Shavonda Gardner: Embracing the bold 

Shavonda Gardner is a trailblazer in the small spaces movement, offering inspiration through her interior and lifestyle blog. Shavonda’s work on her 1940s bungalow, where she lives with her wife and children, showcases her talent for transforming spaces by mixing colours and patterns. 

 Her frequent participation in the One Room Challenge highlights her ability to deliver stunning home makeovers that inspire homeowners to embrace the bold. 

 

Martyn Lawrence Bullard: Unique luxury 

Based in Los Angeles, Martyn Lawrence Bullard is an internationally acclaimed designer known for his versatile and globally inspired interiors. A staple on Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Designers list and Elle Decor’s A-List, Martyn’s work spans luxury Calabasas homes to timeless elegance.  

His star-studded client list, including Kylie Jenner, Cher, and Ellen Pompeo, reflects his talent for creating sophisticated and inviting spaces. Martyn’s appearances on Bravo’s Million Dollar Decorators and his own show, Hollywood Me, have cemented his status as a design icon.