HOME & GARDEN

AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home

Clarkson Potter. Nov. 2022. 256p. ISBN 9780593234006. $35. INTERIOR DESIGN
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This title from husband-and-wife team Hays and Mason (Remix) seamlessly weaves together American history, home design, and the enthralling stories of 16 Black homeowners. The result is a powerful, diverse, and heartwarming book that most readers will enjoy. From Emancipation to the COVID pandemic, a discussion of a historic period and how it has affected Black home ownership in America introduces each chapter. Interviews with the featured homeowners, ranging from artists to entrepreneurs, including actress Danielle Brooks and chef Alexander Smalls, explain how their life experiences and ancestors influenced their home design. Featured photographs convey the vibe of the home. From wide shots of open spaces to close-ups of small objects, the photos showcase the most original aspects of each design. Selected stories provide opportunities to learn more about racial inequality, specifically the systemic racism affecting Black Americans.
VERDICT Fans of the elegance and distinctive design styles featured in Michael Henry Adams’s Style and Grace: African Americans at Home will likely love this book as well. This is also a great book for those interested in increasing their cultural awareness and learning more about United States history, racial inequality, and interior design.
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