Celebrity-owned beauty brands aren’t the only things emerging in the A-list sphere—we’re finally starting to see more of our favorite stars enter the home space, and we’re not complaining. In 2021, Ayesha Curry launched Sweet July to brighten spaces with a curated selection of everything from ceramics and candles to cozy loungewear and cushy rugs, all from Black-owned, Bay Area–based brands. Fans can pop by the brick-and-mortar store in Oakland which also has a cafe for those seeking a sweet treat.
The Oma Shop is one of the most interesting stores you’ll ever come across in the heart of Harlem. Founder Lizzy Okpo merges a slew of concepts into one dream space—it’s part wine bar, café, hairdresser, and lifestyle boutique. Shoppers can visit online and in person, where you’ll find a few, but very stunning, lifestyle and home pieces on its shelves.
Ifsthetic is a Nigerian-inspired luxury homeware and accessories brand founded by Brittney Ifemembi. The Los Angeles–based founder and creative director emphasizes “the art of being extra” in every piece, resulting in an eclectic assortment of home goods including handwoven rugs, pillows, throws and more. Best believe, the maximalists at heart are guaranteed to feel the brand’s ethos in every design.
Curves at Home is the modern decor destination that continues to push the design envelope. Sean Brown often puts a nostalgic twist on his decor pieces, resulting in the ultimate statement-making, über-cheeky end result. His popular CD rugs, inspired by iconic early aughts musicians, continue to be bestsellers. Our favorite, though, happens to be the Ego chair—I mean, what Gen Z’er doesn’t want inflatable furniture in their living room? The Toronto-based brand is stocked online and at retailers including SSENSE.
Souk Bō’hēmian is a minimalist oasis done well—and trust, its pieces are ones you’ll want to add to the mood board. The Altanta-based store is a triple threat: it’s Black-owned, woman-owned, and queer-owned. Founded by besties and business partners Morgan Ashley Bryant and Vanessa Coore Vernon, the retail destination houses everything from home goods and apparel to accessories and more, all supporting local or global artisans. Next time you’re in the big A-town, take a detour to Ponce City Market to immerse yourself in all things serene and boho from the brand.
Bayaal, inspired by a Wolof term, which means space for community and connection, is a Brooklyn-based home and retail shop located in Brooklyn’s South Slope neighborhood. The space centers its selection of jewelry and decor on tradition, creativity, and community, pulling its work from artists and artisans worldwide. You can expect to find bold decor and thoughtfully curated wall art, and many of its pieces will transform your home to make you feel as if you’re walking through a museum.
Cofounded by Kenya Knight and Taib Lotfi, Soukie Modern has somehow seamlessly merged two very different worlds—Palm Springs and Marrakech—into one. The North African influences can be found in their selection of vintage Moroccan rugs, wall art, and contemporary home accessories. Whether you make an IRL appointment at its California-based shops in Palm Springs and Pioneer Town or take a browse online, you’ll certainly leave with quality, one-of-a-kind pieces that will be in your home for years to come.
Tariq Dixon found his passion for interior design after moving to Bed-Stuy, which eventually led to the creation of TRNK in 2013. The Tribeca shop offers a multitude of experiences, acting as a design studio, curatorial platform and retailer with a myriad of contemporary selects. Whether it’s made in-house on Jay Street or sourced by talented global designers, you can grab a pair of ‘60s-inspired puffer chairs, rounded sculptural lamps, and so much more. Tariq also showcases a series of exhibitions that “interrogate questions of race, identity, and cultural bias in design,” with proceeds supporting organizations like the Ali Forney Center and The Black Youth Project 100.
While maximalism is now at its very peak on the internet, Lichen’s storefront in Ridgewood, Queens, is a calm and refreshing alternative to a “simpler life”–no, not the Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie version. Cofounded by Jared Blake and Ed Be, the self-described “design incubator” offers minimal pieces and Japanese-style designs that include paper lamps, chunky wooden stools, and vibrant rotating drawers. Locals are also invited to hang out at Lichen’s in-house coffee bar and enjoy seasonal events.
Curating an entire store is both an underrated skill and an art form in itself, but it comes easy for Trévon Warren and Zachary William Allen of Portmanteau. Their shop in Long Island City has become one of the most sought-after destinations in Queens for finding statement pieces—we’re still obsessing over the lamp that Elaine Welteroth scooped from them for her Los Angeles abode. Whether you’re searching for 20th-century vintage or midcentury furniture, it’s a one-stop shop. Did we forget to mention that it’s wallet-friendly too? If you’re in the area, keep in mind that this is a by-appointment-only operation, so make sure to clear your schedule and get your funds in order ahead of time.
Toni Point and Alysia Fields, the design duo behind the Collective Shop, know exactly how to channel the spirit of NOLA through their locally-sourced curation of home goods, apparel, and even body products. Their vision comes to life in the form of screen-printed tees, confetti earrings, and other home staples that are simply too good to pass up, from Bourbon-scented candles and Southern-inspired tea towels to handmade ceramics and stickers. The pair also creates framable art pieces representative of Louisiana’s finest, and during Mardi Gras season the store is a festival in itself.
When Kai Avent-deLeon originally conceptualized Sincerely, Tommy, she had every intention of making the storefront more than a place to shop. After being in business since 2014, the Brooklyn native’s commitment to building a community hub has fully paid off. While you can always find chunky knits handmade by a range of independent designers, there are also well-crafted objects that will liven up any room–some of which is designed by Kai’s homeware line Raini Home. Once you’re finished browsing the lovely selection of home goods, sit and stay awhile at the coffee bar.
