In honouring Black History Month, we’re shining a light on five brilliant Black designers who have already made their mark on design history. Their creativity and influence continue to shape the design industry, and they inspire us every day at MK Kids Interiors. We’re excited to share their stories with you.
Our Founder, Medina King
At the heart of MK Kids Interiors is our founder, Medina King — a proud Jamaican woman and visionary in the world of children’s interior design. Medina created MK Kids Interiors with a clear mission: to design beautiful, functional, and nurturing spaces where children can dream, learn, and grow. Her work blends creativity with care, making every project deeply personal and impactful for families.
As one of the very few Black women leading a children’s interior design studio in the UK, Medina is not only breaking barriers but also building a legacy. Her passion, determination, and unique perspective inspires our team daily.
“Before starting my business, I longed for work experience in the world of interior design. I was constantly rejected, despite having the “skill sets” that the director of a company didn’t have. The said director was impressed with my portfolio, but not my face; it didn’t fit their aesthetics. On one of my last interviews, I was taken through an office, past the people and introduced to the office dog, then taken to a pub to be questioned about my partners job. I then vowed, never to apply for another interior design job, but to start my own business. I had 3 weeks work experience gathered from 2 internships. I listened to podcasts, joined the Black Interior Designers FB group for Women (featuring Black American Interior Designers). This was enriching to see and be part of. I followed their works and continued learning about other interior designers. At the time, there were hardly any Black British Interior Designers.
The following designers inspired me in various ways. I was initially attracted to Ishka’s founders look; regal and natural, reminding me of my late mother. I loved their quirkiness and the bonus was that Anishka is also of Jamaican Heritage.
I heard Corey Damen Jenkins on A Well Designed Business Podcast, talking about his journey from being a ‘starving Artist’ to where he is now. I immediately connected because I understood what it meant to be a starving Artist, and I dreamed of becoming an award winning interior designer like Corey.
Out of frustration one day I picked up the phone and called Michel Smith Boyd just for advice. He was so kind to share some of his time with me, answering my questions, so sincerely.
I stumbled across Bee from By Janaye on instagram and I loved the confidence she exuded. I realised she was British and followed her straight away, immediately she reached out and invited me to a black interior design group. Bee is so supportive, and have been lived what she stood for, in paving the way for black interior designers to be more visible.
Jecks and I listened to the same podcasts before we met. As part of a visibility challenge, she started doing Facebook lives, I immediately reached out, and wever been connected ever since. Jeck was really supportive during lockdown. She the first Vegan interior Designer I’ve met and I admire her drive and passion for designing sustainable and eco conscious interiors.
Ishka Designs
Founded by Anishka Clarke and Niya Bascom, Ishka Designs is known for its minimalist yet soulful interiors. Their use of clean lines, natural textures, and an earthy colour palette creates spaces that feel calm and grounded. We admire how they let materials tell the story: wood, stone, and handcrafted pieces are never hidden but celebrated. This approach inspires us at MK Kids Interiors to create children’s spaces that feel warm, organic, and timeless.
Corey Damen Jenkins
Corey Damen Jenkins is celebrated for his bold use of colour, pattern, and layered detail. His rooms balance elegance with energy, often pairing traditional elements with striking contemporary touches. What resonates with us is his fearless play with colour something we bring into kids’ interiors to spark imagination and joy, while still keeping a sense of sophistication that grows with the child.
Michel Smith Boyd
Michel Smith Boyd’s interiors are all about luxury with soul. His designs layer rich textures, dramatic lighting, and couture-inspired details, creating spaces that feel both glamorous and inviting. For us, his work is a reminder that even children’s rooms can carry a sense of refinement by carefully choosing textures, finishes, and lighting, we can make everyday spaces feel truly special.
By Janaye
Janaye’s design philosophy strikes a powerful chord: design isn’t just about what we see it’s about how we live, feel, and grow within a space. It’s a reminder that great design nurtures not just aesthetics, but the soul.
Persona Abode
Led by founder Jecks, the studio believes that a home should do more than look beautiful: it should foster health, comfort and connection. Their values centre on People, Place & Planet choosing materials that minimise harm, layouts that respect mobility and air quality, and sourcing from diverse makers to reflect real lives. For us at MK Kids Interiors, Persona Abode’s values resonate deeply. Their holistic approach to design affirms that children’s spaces can be both joyful and responsible.
Black History Month is a chance to actively support and celebrate Black excellence happening today. One of the most meaningful ways to honour this is by championing Black-owned businesses creatives, designers, and makers. At MK Kids Interiors, we’re proud to be part of that story. This month, and always, we invite you to visit our showroom and online shop and begin the exciting journey of interior design with us. Together, let’s create spaces that inspire, uplift, and tell stories worth celebrating.
To begin your design journey, we invite you to book a consultation with our team. You can also reach us by email at info@mkkidsinteriors.com, call us on 020 4568 8188, or visit our showroom at:
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