This week I'm kicking it off with 28 Black Tastemaker Janelle Hughes, co-owner of KJ Design & Mortar Styling in Baltimore, MD. During this interview we talk about the importance of building community for Black interior designers and creatives through social media platforms and membership organizations. Plus, I want to talk to Janelle about outdoor trends from Veranda magazine for 2021, and what does she love or hate.
Janelle Williams Hughes is a writer, interior designer, and lover of all things that illustrate the ingenuity of her fellow human beings. She is the co-owner of KJ Design and Mortar Styling LLC, a home staging and interior design firm based in Baltimore, MD. Her interior design work has been featured in publications including Apartment Therapy and she was recently selected to serve on the House Beautiful Advisory Council. In 2020, she started the #shareblackspaces campaign and initiative to promote the variety of designers of color that exist across the globe.
Janelle's writing has appeared in internationally known publications including Reader’s Digest, Black Enterprise, Shop Smart/Consumer’s Report, Heart & Soul, and Harvard University’sTransition Magazine online. Her skills have supported various federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and its Administration for Children and Families, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Education Centers, Offices, and programs; U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and U.S. Department of Transportation. She completed her undergraduate education in journalism at Howard University, and her graduate studies in Publications Design at University of Baltimore.
On this week’s Interior Design Game: Love it or Hate it, and Why? Janelle and I focus on this article from Veranda magazine written by Lauren Wicks around top kitchen trends for 2021. This week’s shoppable mood board is all about what Janelle loves for outdoor trends this spring.
Interior design space Janelle designed with allmodern.com- Janelle’s portfolio
Shes’ fine with compositing and self sustaining gardens as long as someone else does the composting- Countertop Composter
She is all about more residential gardens for city dwellers- The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America
Janelle loves the idea of outfitting your outdoor space for year round use- Wood Burning Outdoor Pizza Oven in Stainless Steel
Janelle is a Howard University alumni so she has to rock some swag- BOAT TOTE MEDIUM
Outdoor space inspiration for 2021- Manila Indoor / Outdoor Dining Chair, Natural
Janelle always loves to use lighting in her projects so it’s a major priority for outdoor spaces- Nanton Outdoor Patio Wicker Lantern Set
Planters are a must for any outdoor space- Rizzy Mid Century Planters (Set of 2)