African American Designers don’t often get their flowers and I wanted to take this time in the middle of Black History Month to salute them and their achievements. These are my favorites and I know there are many more, but I’ve listed my seven favorites. Sit back, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy learning about these incredible ladies and their wonderful achievements.

This is Part 2 of my Black History Month: Favorite African American designers. If you haven’t seen Part 1, you can check it out here. With African Americans only making up about 2% of the interior design industry, black women designers have found a way to be successful in spite of that. From posting on Instagram to create awareness, to writing in a blog to just pure hustle and grit, black women are making strides and becoming known for their unique perspective on design. I appreciate these creative women because they have inspired me on my journey and they are all giving back to other women and communities. I know the saying might be a bit overdone but it’s true; “representation matters”.

As you all know Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to indulge in all things romantic, playful, and stylish—including your nails! Whether you’re celebrating with a special someone, planning a fun Galentine’s Day, or simply treating yourself, a festive manicure can set the mood and add a personal touch to your look.

If you’re new here, you might not know how I love to do a round up at the end of the month of things that “give me life”. These are beautiful designs, products, fashion and whatever I see on these internet streets, that make me stop in my tracks and catch my breath. If you know me and have seen these posts before, well then you know how I’m obsessed with pretty things and good design.

Pinterest came out with their 2025 Pinterest Trends and I must say, they’re very exciting. In this first blog post I’m going to talk about what I think is the top five out of all of them…

Trends come and go, but I like to focus on the trends that become embedded in our culture for a period of time. This year I’ve focused on eight that are a combination of trends that have been here for a few seasons and some trends that I think will be timeless. If you missed Part 1 and the first four, here it is: The Best Interior Design Trends for 2025 – Part 1.

Now, let’s get into it.

Welcome to 2025.  It’s the beginning of the year and that time when we look for the trends in interior design and decide if we want to do a refresh or a full blown redesign in our home. This year interior design is embracing its inner vintage diva, donning brass accents like a red-carpet accessory, partaking in the quiet luxury trend and unapologetically indulging in the cozy, chocolatey hues of brown. If your home could talk, it would probably say, “I’m feeling so 2025.” Let’s dive into this year’s hottest trends and why your decor deserves a glow-up.

“The Pantone Color of the Year 2025 is a soft brown shade whose visceral richness, sensual and cozy warmth appeal to our desire for comfort and the simple pleasures we can give and share with others.”

— Laurie Pressman, Vice President, Pantone Color Institute

I have to admit, when I first saw the Pantone 2025 Color of the Year, I was a little underwhelmed. Usually the color they pick every year is “in your face”. But the more I researched it and heard why they picked this color, I understood it a little bit more and it certainly fits in with the other colors the paint companies have picked for 2025. Brown is the color of the moment and deep red colors (burgundy, cranberry, merlot, oxblood) have been trending for awhile. You can even put them together and you get MAROON, which is a combination of brown and red.

It’s almost the end of the year. Can you believe it? This year went by so fast and I feel like I did not complete all of my goals for the year. How about you? I’m looking at my vision board that I made at the beginning of the year and I have to say, there are a few things I did not do, like traveling to nearby states for long weekends and really leaning into a healthy lifestyle with exercise and a healthy diet.

Does anybody else get coffee mugs that fit their moods?  I call this Mug Love. I’m a coffee girl through and through and I like to have a big substantial mug that warms my hands when I’m drinking and also gives me options depending on what mood I’m in. I’ve listed some of my favorite mugs from across the web. Etsy is still my favorite site for pottery and ceramics so most of them are from there because my Etsy Love is epic.