Alton LaDay Highlighted Black Interior Designers

The new book showcases the work of over 30 leading Black designers across the country.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Interior Decorating

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring a sculptural chair on a textured rug against geometric wall art, representing modern interior design. — Author Alton LaDay has released a new book, 'In the House,' which spotlights the contributions of over 30 Black interior designers to the professional field. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Author Alton LaDay has published a new book titled In the House: Celebrating America's Leading Black Designers. The work aims to address the historic lack of representation of Black interior designers in published media.

Why it matters

The publication serves to elevate the profiles of Black professionals within the design industry. By spotlighting their contributions, the book challenges existing gaps in professional documentation and interior design literature.

The book features over 30 interior designers from across the country. These profiles are presented in a non-alphabetical order designed specifically to maintain reader engagement.

The players

Alton LaDay

He is an author and creative professional who balances his work between Houston and San Diego.

Kindred Stories

This is a bookstore that will host a virtual event featuring the author.

The details

Alton LaDay researched and collaborated with editors to identify designers, ensuring a broad representation of talent in his new publication. The book deliberately avoids an alphabetical layout to create a more narrative experience for readers.

LaDay began the research and creation process for the book in 2020.
A virtual conversation with Kindred Stories bookstore is scheduled for October 12, 2026.

Culture Shift

This publication arrives as part of a broader cultural movement to diversify the canon of interior design records. By centralizing these voices, it marks a departure from traditional industry gatekeeping that has historically overlooked Black creative contributions.

Readers interested in home aesthetics can utilize the book to discover new design talent and diverse perspectives for their own projects. The non-alphabetical format encourages a deeper, more immersive exploration of the designers' individual portfolios.

The takeaway

The book serves as a vital resource for anyone looking to diversify their design references and support underrepresented professionals. Engaging with these stories provides a fuller picture of the contemporary American design landscape.