Were highlighting talented Black interior designers who are thriving in the industry today.
Laquita Tate is a self-taught interior designer and the mind behindLaquita Tate Interior Styling & Designs.
Ive always loved perusing through home magazines and even ripping out some of the designs.
The Spruce / Photo Illustration by Amy Sheehan / Design byLaquita Tate Interiors/ Photo byKim Thomas
I wasnt 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.
It quickly grew into an interior design business.
Design byLaquita Tate Interiors/ Photo byKim Thomas
How would you describe your style and approach to designing spaces?
I would describe my style as modern ormidcentury modern.
This helps me to know what my clients like or dont like.
Design byLaquita Tate Interiors/ Photo byKim Thomas
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.
I find design inspiration from every aspect of life.
Design byLaquita Tate Interiors/ Photo byKim Thomas
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.
What design project have you done thats stuck with you throughout your career?
A recent wholehome renovation projectis 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.
What does it mean to you to be Black in your industry?
I prefer the latter.
Whats your favorite part of your own home?
It has beautiful textured wallpaper, amazing artwork, oversized rug, etc.
I smile immediately when I step into my bedroom.
Whats one thing you have a go at 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.
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?
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 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.
