Designing home: Celebrating Black British architects and designers shaping our spaces

Every home tells a story – of who we are, where we’ve come from, and what we value.

This Black History Month, as we celebrate the theme Standing Firm in Power and Pride, we’re spotlighting Black British architects and designers who are reimagining what home can look and feel like. Their creativity doesn’t just shape beautiful spaces; it shapes how communities live, connect, and thrive.

Building identity through design

Design is powerful. The layout of a home, the warmth of colour, the balance between function and flair – these elements influence how we feel and who we become in our spaces. Black British designers like Yinka Ilori, known for his vibrant, story-driven use of pattern and colour, remind us that design can be joyful, cultural, and deeply personal. His work transforms everyday spaces – from public benches to interiors – into celebrations of heritage and optimism.

Architect Elsie Owusu OBE has paved the way for inclusion in the architecture world, bringing both creativity and advocacy to her projects. From working on the UK Supreme Court’s refurbishment to championing diversity in design education, she shows how representation matters not just in who lives in homes, but in who designs them.

Designing with purpose

Many Black designers are redefining modern living through affordability, sustainability, and accessibility – principles that mirror Share to Buy’s mission. Studios like POoR Collective, co-founded by designer Shawn Adams, work with young people to create community spaces that reflect local voices. Their approach proves that great design doesn’t need to be exclusive; it can be rooted in empowerment and shared ownership.

From inspiration to action

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone – but making it your own can feel daunting. Take inspiration from the Black British designers leading with creativity and confidence:

• Start small, think bold: You don’t need a huge budget to make an impact. A feature wall, statement colour, or thrifted furniture piece can completely transform a space.
• Design for how you live, not how you think you should live: Whether that means multifunctional furniture, cosy communal areas, or a workspace corner, build a home that fits your life.
• Tell your story through décor: From prints that reflect your heritage to handmade art or family photographs, your home should feel like you.
• Support diverse creators: Shop from Black-owned homeware brands, commission local artists, or follow Black British designers for affordable inspiration that supports inclusion in design.

Because every homeowner – whatever their budget – deserves a space that reflects who they are.

The designers we’ve highlighted share a common thread: they design with intention. Their work offers powerful takeaways for anyone beginning their homeownership journey:

• Purpose before perfection: Don’t chase trends; think about how your space supports your wellbeing, work, and rest.
• Community connection: A home doesn’t exist in isolation – it’s part of a neighbourhood. Get to know your community, support local businesses, and help strengthen the fabric around you.
• Sustainability is empowerment: Choose quality over quantity, reuse materials, and invest in long-lasting pieces. Sustainable design often starts with thoughtful decisions, not expensive ones.
• Representation matters: When you bring diverse voices into your home – through art, stories, or design inspiration – you celebrate a broader vision of what “British living” looks like.

Home is more than bricks and mortar – it’s culture, identity, and pride. This Black History Month, we celebrate the designers shaping not only our buildings, but the sense of belonging that makes a house a home.