Alton LaDay Published New Book on Black Designers
A new release features more than 30 interior designers to address a historical lack of industry representation.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Interior Decorating
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Author Alton LaDay has released his book, In the House: Celebrating America's Leading Black Designers, which showcases the work of over 30 interior designers. The project aims to rectify the long-standing underrepresentation of Black talent in design literature.
Why it matters
By documenting the contributions of Black designers, this book provides essential visibility for professionals who have been historically absent from published industry works. This project fills a critical gap in design history and broadens the inspiration available to homeowners.
The new book highlights 30 interior designers in an intentional, non-alphabetical order designed to maintain reader interest. LaDay identified these professionals nationwide to compile this comprehensive collection.
The players
Alton LaDay
An author based in Houston and San Diego who researched and published a book on Black interior designers.
Kindred Stories
A bookstore that will host a virtual discussion event with the author regarding the new publication.
The details
To create the book, LaDay researched, identified, and consulted with designers across the country while working with editors. The interior designers are intentionally arranged in a specific non-alphabetical sequence to build reader interest as they move through the profiles. This editorial decision was intended to provide a more engaging experience for those interested in home styling.
Timeline
2020: LaDay began the process of creating the book.
October 12, 2026: LaDay will discuss his book with Kindred Stories bookstore.
The Home Front
This publication arrives as the broader interior design industry works to rectify historical gaps in documented representation. It follows a growing trend of correcting media archives to better reflect the diversity of professional home design talent across the United States.
Homeowners looking for fresh inspiration or searching for design professionals should add this title to their library to discover new talent. Consider exploring the featured designers' portfolios to find a creative partner whose aesthetic aligns with your next home project.
The takeaway
This book offers a significant resource for diversifying the perspectives that shape modern home interiors. Readers can use the publication to identify new design voices and support a more inclusive narrative in the home renovation and decorating space.
What happens next
Alton LaDay will participate in a virtual conversation with Kindred Stories bookstore on October 12, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more design inspiration and professional guidance in the Interior Decorating section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Houston Chronicle.
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