Amplifying Diverse Voices: Why Representation in Design Matters More Than Ever

Welcome, friends! Today’s conversation steers us onto a slightly different path from our usual design discussions, yet it feels like one of the most profoundly important topics I’ve ever had the privilege to share. It’s a message that has been building within me for years, finally finding its moment to resonate.

Just yesterday, a significant article went live on Domino, and the influx of direct messages and emails I received in its wake filled me with immense pride. This feature stemmed from a recent series of candid discussions I hosted on my Instagram stories. I spoke passionately about the pressing issues of diversity, colorism, exclusivity, and the urgent need for genuine inclusivity within the creative industries.

The Fashion Industry’s Wake-Up Call: A Precedent for Change

This dialogue gained momentum in the wake of the powerful call-out by the insightful blogger Valerie Eguavoen (@onacurve) against Revolve. Valerie bravely highlighted the alarming lack of inclusivity concerning influencers of color in their campaigns, brand trips, and promotional activities. Her critique extended beyond a single brand, challenging the fashion industry as a whole. Her observations didn’t stop at racial diversity; she also brought attention to the often-overlooked lack of inclusion for plus-size fashion bloggers and influencers, advocating for a broader spectrum of body positivity and representation.

The online community, particularly on Instagram, erupted with support and spirited debate. Many were inspired by Valerie’s courage to challenge established names like Revolve and Aimee Song, initiating a long-overdue and much-needed dialogue. Among the many compelling responses, I particularly admired a thought-provoking post by the incredibly talented Denisse of @thugnanny. Her perspective, delivered with her characteristic directness and unwavering honesty, resonated deeply and offered a crucial response to Valerie’s call to action. So, how did I become a part of this unfolding narrative?

My Two Cents: Bridging the Gap to the Design and Lifestyle Sphere

After immersing myself in the multitude of comments and posts, I felt compelled to share my own perspective with my followers, specifically focusing on its relevance to the home, interior design, and lifestyle sector. I underscored that while the initial discussions were predominantly centered on the fashion and beauty industries, our side of the creative tracks also suffers from a profound and distinct lack of diversity and authentic inclusion.

Let me take you back a month to my trip with Domino to New York City for the prestigious Domino Design Blog Awards. As part of our preparations, the editors posed a single, insightful question to all award winners: “What is your design wish for 2018?” We were unaware at the time that our responses would be publicly displayed at the awards event itself. The surprise and delight were palpable when I walked in and saw a truly innovative sticky note installation adorning the walls, featuring our individual wishes. Mine was prominently among them:

When that question was posed, my answer came to me instantly. It wasn’t a sudden revelation but rather a profound truth that had weighed heavily on my heart for an incredibly long time – years, in fact.

The Struggle for Authenticity and the Power of Representation

I’ve openly shared on Instagram that 2017 was a challenging year for me regarding my blog. I grappled with the fundamental question of whether to continue blogging or to simply hang up my proverbial hat. I felt a growing sense of disconnection from the broader design blog community, teetering on the edge of walking away entirely. I was utterly fatigued by the relentless repetition, the constant sight of the exact same styles, the same aesthetics, the same looks being perpetually showcased in magazines, features, and across social media. This stifling sameness became a significant barrier to my creative spirit.

Then, a pivotal “aha!” moment occurred. I delved deep into introspection, uncovering my core “WHY.” What emerged, with crystal clarity, was this undeniable truth: REPRESENTATION MATTERS. I recently encountered a powerful statement that deeply resonated: “when you don’t see yourself, you don’t aspire to do it.” That observation is incredibly potent. It dawned on me that I was receiving daily messages from individuals expressing sentiments like, “I’m so happy I found someone who looks like me / whose style is like mine / whose family looks like mine / who identifies as LGBTQ+, doing this work here.” In that profound moment, I understood the critical importance of my continued presence, of continuing to share our authentic life, my passion for moody and intimate spaces, my love for my wife, and my appreciation for genuinely valuable products. It affirmed my purpose to continue sharing, inspiring, and encouraging others to embrace their unique perspectives in design.

Unveiling the Disparity: The Design Industry’s Blind Spot

Just as Valerie Eguavoen meticulously highlighted the visibly obvious lack of diversity and inclusion within the fashion and beauty industries, the same glaring disparity exists within the design and interiors blogger/content creator landscape. For too long, many of us engaged in these crucial conversations silently, within our close-knit circles and private Facebook groups. Yet, no one was truly addressing them on a larger, more public scale. So, I took the leap. I spoke up, and to my surprise and immense gratitude, Domino took notice and amplified the message.

While gaining such widespread attention was certainly not my primary intention, it was undeniably a joyous and impactful surprise. Our design community is brimming with incredibly talented and inspiring creatives who consistently produce original content and share fresh ideas and unique perspectives. Yet, a vast number of these diverse voices do not receive the same level of exposure, partnership opportunities, reposts, or shares as their counterparts. More often than not, their exceptional content goes largely unseen, leading to immense frustration and discouragement within the community.

As I articulated in my Instagram stories, the core issue revolves around what is celebrated and what is not on a larger scale. When the same narrow aesthetic, the same specific looks, and the same demographic of people are consistently shared, praised, reposted, and promoted by prominent brands, companies, and media outlets, it sends a very clear and often damaging message. To me, that message implies that if a space doesn’t conform to a specific, often whitewashed and homogenous, aesthetic, it won’t be given the time of day. Or, if that aesthetic is presented by someone who doesn’t fit a particular mold, their work may be unfairly overlooked. This exclusionary pattern also inadvertently sends a detrimental message to our readers, followers, and audience: that their homes and spaces must be designed, styled, and curated to achieve a certain look to be deemed “beautiful,” and anything outside of that narrow definition is inherently “wrong.” I believe this is a particularly dangerous and limiting message to propagate.

The Power of Dialogue and Empathy: Fostering a Richer Community

Following my candid discussion (which you can still access on my Instagram profile under the “Real Talk” highlights), I was overwhelmed by countless messages from both fellow bloggers and non-creators alike. They shared how deeply they resonated with my sentiments, often having felt the same way or engaged in similar private conversations but never feeling empowered to speak out publicly. One particular message from a reader truly stood out to me, offering an invaluable perspective on the issue:

The subsequent conversations I’ve had about racism, colorism, the vital importance of awareness, and genuine inclusion have been nothing short of amazing and incredibly powerful. The most crucial takeaway I want you to understand is this: for me, the Domino article was never about “exclusively shouting out all the black people” or focusing on any single group. Its true essence and enduring purpose are, and always will be, about the profound celebration of diversity in style, aesthetic, and point of view. It’s about ensuring the equitable inclusion and recognition of talented creatives from all backgrounds on platforms as large and influential within our community as Domino.

Moving Forward: A Call for Inclusive Inspiration in Design

I sincerely hope that you will take a moment to read the full Domino article. It’s an opportunity not only to deepen your understanding of these critical issues but also potentially to discover someone new who inspires you, a voice you might never have encountered otherwise. I understand that topics surrounding race, diversity, cultural appropriation, and inclusion can be challenging for some people to engage with, especially given our current sociopolitical climate. However, I wholeheartedly believe that these conversations are not just important; they are absolutely essential.

They make a tangible difference in shaping our collective consciousness. They actively foster greater awareness, helping to dismantle ignorance and build bridges of understanding. By embracing a more inclusive vision, we enrich our entire creative landscape, encouraging innovation and authentic expression from every corner of the world. Thank you, Domino, for playing such a pivotal and brave role in advancing this crucial dialogue. It’s a powerful step towards a more representative and inspiring design future.

Whew, that was indeed a comprehensive reflection, but these truths needed to be articulated and underscored. Let’s continue to champion authenticity and diversity in every space we touch.

Until next time, friends, keep designing with heart and purpose.