Born in 1997 and later, with some cuspers born in 1996, Gen Z was raised on the internet where information and social media were readily available. Many designers have harnessed this power to make their mark in the industry — whether sharing home makeovers with millions on TikTok or infusing culture into artistic furnishings. Ahead, we spoke to five who should be on your radar. Each shared what drives their style, along with how they’re playing a part in this new design age.
Emily Shaw
With 5.4 million followers and counting, you might not expect that just two years ago, Emily Shaw was at a low point. But, she found an escape by renovating her parents’ home and sharing the process on TikTok. Shaw quickly gained traction and has since become a master of budget renovations, designing spaces for family, friends, and even her followers. She recently bought a home at 23 that she’s fully transforming — and is, of course, taking her followers along on the journey. What three words would you use to describe your style? “Experimental, inviting, and eccentric.” Why is home and/or design important to you? “Design is important to me because it can make an incredible difference in our lives. It has the ability to keep people inspired, comfortable in their own skin, and excited for their future. There are so many psychological benefits that come with having spaces built with the user in mind, and I want those benefits to be available to everyone.”
Nifemi Ogunro
Sculptural, conversational, intentional. These are just a few words to describe the work of Nifemi Ogunro, who is reimagining what furniture looks like — and who it’s made for. The Nigerian-American designer launched her first collection in 2020, and continues to challenge Eurocentricity, considering Blackness, queerness, and femininity in her creations. With several shows and features under her belt, Ogunro is just at the brink of a lasting impact on the industry. What three words would you use to describe your style? “Open, soft, playful.” Why is design and/or home important to you? “It is a privilege to have a place to rest your body, that you can shape. Home is where you get to define what comfort looks like to you, but most importantly how it feels. Home is personal. Home is where we are our most vulnerable. The beauty of a home has little to do with the objects that exist in it, but rather the stories that live amongst every room. The pieces that have always felt the most beautiful in my home I either found or had to repair. Home is about ourselves.”
Annika Hinds
From rainbow-painted arches to puddle-shaped tables, Annika Hinds’ playful designs won over many hearts — 1.5 million, to be exact. Sharing nifty DIYs and glimpses of her fairytale-esque apartment on TikTok, Hinds shows a home of joy is possible on a budget. She immerses viewers in the creative process from start to finish, crafting concealed litter boxes, tufted benches, vibrant backsplashes, and more. What three words would you use to describe your style? “Colorful, eclectic, thrifty.” Why is home/design important to you? “I believe that our surroundings can have a big impact on our mental health and happiness, which is why home decor is so important! I found that when I started expressing my creativity in my space, it began to make my place really feel like home. I want everyone to be given the opportunity to make their place somewhere they love and feel good in which is why accessible decor and DIY is so important to me.”
Christina Clericuzio
Ever been stumped when shopping second-hand? Well, Christina Clericuzio certainly has. Rather than buying new, though, she took on the challenge with DIYs. On her TikTok account @flipdaddie, Clericuzio shares genius furniture flips with her 600,000-plus followers. Using spray paint, glossy hardware, and creativity, she transforms worn-down items into glam pieces that look brand new — and even sells them at a premium. What three words would you use to describe your style? “Vibrant, retro, and sleek!” Why is home and/or design important to you? “Home and design is important to me because most of us get one home to live in. It’s important that we decorate our homes in a way that makes us comfortable yet excited. So many people spend eight hours a day sitting in an office, so it is vital we build a sanctuary that makes us want to come home. Fun colors bring our homes to life, and let our personalities shine through design, even if it’s on a budget!”
Anthony Immediato
Anthony Immediato makes the nitty gritty of interior design accessible to all. The designer offers his 50,000 TikTok followers guides to different styles, from Japandi to Art Deco, along with tips so people can achieve the looks themselves. Perhaps most coveted, though, is the look into his soothing downtown apartment — where neutrals and contemporary are done right. What three words would you use to describe your style? “Vintage, modern, and organic.” Why is home and/or design important to you? “The first and biggest reason is because it’s a passion of mine. Of course, interior design has slowly become a way for me to pay the bills, but at the end of the day, this is more than just a job to me. Aside from passion, it allows me to curate a specific vibe in my living space. There’s a certain way to combine colors, patterns, and textures to create a design that is both aesthetically pleasing and pleasing to the mind and soul.” Interviews have been edited and condensed.
