The Mood Board Interview Series

In my interview with Luxury interior designer Emilie Munroe, we discuss the renovation process of restoring a 100-year-old building in San Francisco and she shares her journey into interior design. Emilie’s approach to design is all about creating fresh interiors that focus on collaboration, integrity, and custom detailing. A new episode airs every Monday. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family.

As we continue to inch closer and closer to the New Year, I wanted to share my interview with Prop & Interior Stylist Raina Kattelson. She has had her work featured in multiple fashion and interior design publications like Martha Stewart Living, Prada, Fenty, and Better Homes & Gardens just to list a few. She specializes in art direction, photo styling, set design, and interior design. In our conversation, we discuss why it’s so important to say “yes” to a new opportunity because you never know where it will take you. A new episode airs every Monday this fall. Please subscribe and share with your friends and family.

New Jersey-based interior designer Beth Diana Smith’s signature style is modern and eclectic with luxurious finishes and custom furnishings. In this episode, we dig into how Beth took a leap of faith left her job in finance, and followed her passion to become an interior designer.  Shop the conversation at angelabelt.com.

Artist and Interior designer Natalie Papier’s show Artfully Designed just aired season two a few weeks ago on Max. I thought this was the perfect time to get to know Natalie a little bit better so you can binge-watch a few episodes with friends and family during the Thanksgiving break. In this episode, we dig into Natalie’s career path from artist turned interior designer and her new lighting collection with Mitzi. Also, my One Room Challenge Swiftie Inspired tween room makeover is complete, check out the full reveal here. Shop the convo at angelabelt.com.

Completely self-taught, Hema's interior design career began in 2021 when one of her styling clients asked for help decorating their home. Because of her eye for design and ability to execute her creative vision, that first project snowballed into several more. Sagrada Studio now designs residential and commercial spaces around the country. We discussed on the show this week when you know it's time to switch career paths and jump into something new. Check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com.

The interior design industry is moving towards photorealistic imagery that puts age-old processes like AutoCAD and SketchUp to shame. This week, I discuss with Fernando Duque why hiring a business like Duke Renders is a game-changer for your interior design business. To try out Duke Render’s services use this link and save 25% on your first design.

Ati Williams is a part of the innovative design team with Mikel Welch, Jessica Banks, and Brooks Atwood of the Netflix show Hack My Home. As the general contractor, she focuses on out-of-the-box ideas to maximize people’s homes in unexpected ways. She owns Honeycomb Residential, which focuses on investment properties, construction, and real estate development. Check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com.

To kick off my fall season of The Mood Board podcast, I interviewed interior designer Gail Davis and podcast host of Design Perspectives. Gail has a wealth of knowledge in the interior design industry and, like myself, focuses on spotlighting designers of color on her show. She also recently renovated her kitchen, featured in House Beautiful magazine, and it stirred up a debate in the design industry. Does every kitchen have to have an island, and should we always design with resale value in mind?

I interviewed decorative artist and surface designer Hadiya Williams this week on the show. She is the founder and creative director of Black Pepper Paperie Co.® , a studio built out of a passion for creating and sharing with others. Hadiya and I dig into how she got started in graphic design and expanded her interests into home decor over the years. Check out the shoppable mood board at ⁠angelabelt.com⁠ to get some pieces from Hadiya, share, and subscribe.

So this week, I brought on the show photographer and director, David Land, who has mastered the art of photographing interiors in the industry. I have had the pleasure of working with David Land on multiple projects, including my double feature in Better Homes & Gardens magazine. David and I discuss the changing landscape of photography due to social media and everyone having a camera on their phones. Check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com and share and subscribe.

I want to start your week with Danielle Woodhouse-Johnson, the Founder of The Oasis Alliance. I discovered the Oasis Alliance as a contributing editor at House Beautiful magazine when I had an opportunity to write a feature about the non-profit organization. Once I interviewed Danielle and her team, I knew I had to have her on the podcast for May to discuss the connection between mental health and the home.  And don't forget to check out the shoppable mood board of our conversation at angelabelt.com.

Happy Motivational Monday, and welcome back to season six of The Mood Board Podcast! I want to start your week with Jaime Derringer, aka The Orchestrator of Awesomeness. Jaime has created and worked with cutting-edge businesses in the design industry. We also discussed in our interview how she got started and what might happen to the creative industry—with the AI revolution. Don't forget to check out the shoppable mood board of our conversation at angelabelt.com.

As we kick off the month of June, Father’s Day & Juneteenth are quickly approaching, I wanted to share my interview with Blair Paysinger, the Co-Founder of the shop, Post21.  The online shop was created by a Blair and her mother who for years, wanted a comprehensive marketplace that focused on modern and design forward products from black-owned businesses.  This week for our interior design game we focus on a recent article from Food52, The Predictions Are In: 12 Home Decor Trends We’ll See in 2022 .  Blair shares which of these trends she loves or hates, and how some of these trends could come to Post21 in the future.  Be sure to check out the shoppable mood board of our conversation at angelabelt.com. 

This week I'm talking with John McDonald, the Founder of BOXI by Semihandmade.  BOXI designs beautiful, high-quality cabinets that ship straight to you, pre-assembled and fast.  All of the cabinetry is made in the US, and it can be used for the kitchen, bedroom and beyond.  In this conversation, I dig into John's roller coaster of a ride of how he started his original business Semihandmade. As always check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com, and pick up the latest issue of Better Homes & Gardens to see Part 2 of my home tour. 

It’s May and I am back with a fresh new batch of interviews!!!  As interior design content creator and freelance writer, Albie specializes in connecting her decor-obsessed audience with beautiful pieces and functional design to transform their ordinary spaces into extraordinary dreamscapes.  We will also dig into her upcoming design conference, The Meridian experience which is June 8-11th in Bellevue, Washington. This week's interior design game is all about Albie's take on storage and organization trends for the home. Be sure to check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com to learn more about this interview. 

For the last week of Women's History Month, I wanted to give a shout out to a woman who has always helped me grow in my career.  This is also one of the top 5 most listened to epsiodes on the podcast, even after 2 years!!! Danielle is the Home Director for Apartment Therapy, which is a lifestyle blog and publishing company focused on home design and decor. I hope you enjoy our talk where we discuss Danielle’s editorial journey into the interior design industry, and what is Apartment Therapy doing in front of and behind the lens to create more diversity? Plus, this week’s interior Design Game is called Name That Trend.  

So excited to continue the good vibes for Women's History Month with my podcast interview with Anitra Terrell, founder of Reflektion Design.  Anitra designs and sources African decor for culturally inspired people who love unique, colorful pieces that are reflektive of who they are.  I want to talk about how has her business pivoted in the new normal since there are so many manufacturing delays especially with vendors abroad.  I also wanted to learn how she continues to grow her brand through her Society6 collection, and her Blog series, How We Live.  Check angelabelt.com to join the interior design game this week, THIS OR THAT, and to get inspired for your next vacation with the shoppable mood board. 

Happy Women’s History Month!!! Nasozi Kakembo is the founder and creative force behind xN Studio.  Her company name derives from her very own, which is a Ugandan name meaning something to look up to in praise of.  It is this Ugandan heritage that inspired her to establish a brand that allows her to bring the beauties of her cultural heritage into homes around the world.  I will dig into how Nasozi started her business, and frankly what is her “why” to keep going.  Also, be sure to check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com. 

On the last day of Black History Month, I wanted to connect with the Director of Brand Marketing at Society6, Stephanie Dixon.  I am showcasing pieces from Society6's Discover Black Artists Collection throughout my entire home in my upcoming exclusive home tour with Better Homes & Gardens magazine. I have always been impressed with the marketing strategy behind Society6. This brand is constantly trying to stay above the curve with initiatives like the @Society6community or providing Skillshare classes for artists that want to be a part of the platform. Plus, creating curated mood boards from interior designers and taste makers in the By Design series. I wanted to connect with Stephanie to learn the origin story behind Society6, and also hope that this conversation will inspire new artists of color to join the platform.  To shop this conversation check out angelabelt.com. 

Happy Valentine's Day! I feel like today's episode is all about self-love, and following your passion. Nicole Crowder Upholstery is a Black-owned furniture and upholstery studio creating commissioned, generational, one-of-a-kind pieces of furniture and home furnishings like meditation pillows, poufs and more.  We are going to talk about Nicole's new Upholstered Furniture Home Collection with World Market, which features her vibrant and eclectic mixed prints with World Market's unique silhouettes.  For this week’s interior design game, Nicole shares her insights on some vintage pieces, which ones are worth salvaging and which ones you should just throw away.  Check them out at angelabelt.com, and you decide if you would repurpose them or throw it away? 

I’m excited to be kicking off the second week of February with Diana Adams, the potter behind the brand Sample Haus. I have been a huge fan of Diana’s work for awhile, and I had the pleasure of showcasing some of her pieces in my upcoming home tour with Better Homes & Gardens.  I wanted to dig in with her this week to find out how has she found a way to thrive as a Black woman is a space that is often reserved for white potters.  Plus, I wanted to know how listeners could help with her current fundraiser for NCECA to bring more people of color to attend this event.  Check out the shoppable mood board on this conversation at angelabelt.com. 

Happy Black History Month!!!  I’m so excited to kick off Season 5 of The Mood Board podcast with interior designer Joy Williams, the Principal Designer of Joyful Designs Studio.  On our interview this week, I wanted to talk with Joy about how has her interior design business been able to thrive in the new normal with manufacturing delays and travel issues being commonplace.  Plus, I was excited to learn about her recent interior design projects that are submitted to the LUXE Red Awards.  Listeners can go to my website to vote for Joy's designs. 

Cailini Coastal was founded by Meg Young, a former PR pro and lifelong design aficionado who sought to offer only the best quality pieces that  you couldn’t find everywhere.  Cailini Coastal specializes in the coastal finishing touches that make a  room feel complete and turn a house into a home. On this Labor Day I want to learn from Meg how can we keep those coastal vibes going year round, and why is Cailini Coastal focused on helping those that are at risk for homelessness? Check out the shoppable mood board around our interview at angelabelt.com. 

This week I'm excited to be talking with the co-founder and CMO of Homethreads, Brad Bruckner. Homethreads delivers some of the most sought after furniture, rugs, window treatments, bedding and pillows in the online home decor marketplace. Thanks to years of experience from Brad and his partner Neil Marcus, they have cultivated a wide network of partners and suppliers that enable them to provide only the highest quality products designed for comfort, durability and style at factory-direct prices.  Use the discount code Angela5 at Homethreads and save 5% on your next order. Also, check out the shoppable mood board this week at angelabelt.com around my dream dining room space for the holiday season, all of my picks are from Homethreads.com.  

This week I’m back with my summer interview series all about home renovations. This is also the show's 50th EPISODE!!!!! So I am asking all listeners to DM me on instagram @_angelabelt their renovation whoas and one lucky listener will come on the show to get some design help---STAT!  Ariel Okin is the Founder of her eponymous firm, Ariel Okin Interiors,  a New York-based, full-service interior design firm specializing in  luxury residential, commercial,  and hospitality projects across the  country.  Ariel’s signature style can be interpreted as “Traditional  with a twist” – warm, livable and elegant spaces with an edited,   contemporary and practical approach.  I want to share Ariel's renovation story as a first time home buyer  who recently relocated from NYC to the suburbs of Westchester, NY.  Don't forget to check out the shoppable mood board around our conversation at angelabelt.com. 

This July 4th weekend I will be talking with Whitney Jones, New Orleans' based interior designer and owner of the shop, Whitney J. Decor.  I know Americans love celebrating July 4th, and we also love to shop, so this is the perfect opportunity to support a Black-owned business at the same time.  This week we will also be playing the Interior design game, Love It or Hate It, and Whitney will share what spring/summer home decor trends she is loving right now. Don't forget to check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com to shop the convo. 

I’m excited to come back this week with my first two person interview with interiors photographer & design blogger Keyanna Bowen, and interior designer of Mas Means More, Malcolm A. Simmons. I will be  continuing this week with my spring/summer series digging into home reno stories and sharing the ups and downs of these design challenges during our new normal. Malcolm is also a contributor for Emily Henderson designs, and Keyanna is the first mentee for the Emily Henderson design team. Be sure to check out the shoppable mood board of this podcast at angelabelt.com. 

This week I will be continuing my spring/summer interview series all about home renovations. I want to share a renovation story from 28 Black tastemaker David Quarles IV around his home gym that he designed during the pandemic.  David will share with us all of the ups and downs of sourcing products during the new normal, and how he had to think outside of the box to get this project done. Check out the shoppable mood board to re-create David's home gym at angelabelt.com. 

I’m back with new episodes of The Mood Board podcast, and I’m excited to kick off our spring/summer season with Davina Ogilvie the founder of Wovn Home.  Right now lots of people of doing home renovations due to downsizing, buying there first home, or they’re simply tired of looking at the same old things day in and day out being hunkered down at home all the time.  I decided to talk with Davina about her business Wovn Home, and learn why she decided to jump into the custom window treatment business. I also wanted to get Davina’s opinions on some window treament questions readers asked me on Instagram; so many people wanted to know the dos and don’ts of window treatments.  Don't forget to check out the shoppable mood board around this conversation at angelabelt.com. 

This week I wanted to share my interview I did last year with celebrity interior designer and 28 Black Tastemaker Mikel Welch.  In this humorous interview you will learn from Mikel it doens't matter where you started, it's just important to focus on where you want to be. Mikel Welch runs a New York based interior design business, Mikel Welch Designs.  Mikel is a former on-air personality of TLC’s Trading Spaces, and his designs have been featured on HGTV, The Real Housewives Of Atlanta and Good Morning America. He has recently been featured on The Drew Barrymore Show for multiple episodes showing viewers how to transform spaces on budget with high style.  His work has also been featured in Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, Elle Decor, People, The New York Times and several other shelter magazines.  

I’m so excited this week to share my interview with 28 Black Tastemaker Demetrius Robinson class of 2021.  Demetrius is the Founder and Creative Director of AT HOME WITH SAVVY. He is an interior designer, photographer, avid baker + home cook, tastemaker and visual story teller. This week I wanted to get his take on being a Black man in the interior design industry, and what has helped him succeed in the industry? Lastly, I discuss some recent interior design trends from Elle Decor that will give you good vibes this year; I wanted to get Demetrius’ thoughts on whether he loves them or hates it.  To learn more about Demetrius and check out the shoppable mood board got to angelabelt.com. 

I don’t know about you, but I am itching to bring in some new home decor looks for my house since spring is just around the corner. One of the brands that I have been really interested in lately due to their geometric patterns and soothing color palette is MINNA. Sara Berks is the founder and creative director of MINNA, an ethically made home goods brand rooted in traditional craft techniques.  I wanted to talk to Sara about how she started her business, and what is she gravitating towards this spring for home decor. Check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com. 

As we enter the second quarter of 2021, many of you interior designers may be asking yourself, “How can I grow my business?” Well hiring Natalie Norcoss and her PR firm, A Design Parternship may be your solution. As a former interior designer turned CEO of a PR firm that targets interior designers and lifestyle brands, Natalie knows how to turn those problems into actionable items to get your business going in the right direction. This week I talked with Natalie about how she started a Design Partnership, and what her thoughts are on the latest trends from Forbes. Also bonus news, Natalie is giving out a FREE content calendar to anyone who fills out this form here! As always check out the shoppable mood board based on our conversation at angelabelt.com.

This week I'm catching up with the Principal designer/owner Quintece Hill-Mattauszek of Studio Q Designs based in Alexandria, Virginia.  This interview is a part of the series, Where Are The Black Tastemakers Now?  I want to learn more about Design Collective DC (DCDC) which Quintece is a founding member; as well as what were thoughts on the latest interior design trends for the kitchen according to Elle Decor? To shop the conversation check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com. 

As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, I'm excited to talk with VP of Brand at Jenni Kayne, Sam Moore. Jenni Kayne is the laid-back, luxe lifestyle brand rooted in California minimalism that boasts cult status among celebrities like Jessica Alba, Jennifer Lawrence, and Hailey Baldwin. Sam and I talk about Jenni Kayne's approach to more diversity and inclusion in the brand, and in our interior design game we discuss what does, "Color Me Bright Mean?" As a new trend for Domino magazine. Check out the shoppable mood board from our conversation at angelabelt.com. 

Happy Black History Month!!! I am so excited this month to be having this interview with Jean Brownhill, who is literally making Black history as we speak with her company Sweeten.  I have been looking forward to this interview for awhile because I wanted to learn how Jean got into the contractor's business as an architect; and how was she able to streamline a service that so many people ask me about all the time as an interior designer, “Can you refer a good contractor?”  Check out the shoppable mood board I designed based on our conversation at angelabelt.com.  

As CEO of SOMERSELLE, Anderson has utilized his decade of interior design experience to come up with a new way to approach the showroom.   His e-commerce site Sommerselle is the modern showroom, which caters to interior designers by offering wallcoverings, textiles, and more. Check out the mood board that Anderson designed at angelabelt.com, and get a sneak peak at what you can source from Somerselle. 

Angela Belt is the principle designer of Angela Belt Art and Style LLC, she is also an interior stylist and the host of the Moodboard Podcast. She is the interior stylist for the book, REMIX: Decorating with Culture, Objects and Soul, released by Penguin Random House in 2013.  She has been featured in publications both nationally and internaltionaly including HGTV, Rachael Ray Magazine, The Washington Post and Elle South Africa. This week Angela takes questions from the audience, and share some advice on how you can do self-care, and the steps to speak truth to hate.  

This week I talk with Abigail about the connection between self-care and the home. The interior design firm Casa Marcelo was founded by Abigail Marcelo Horace in 2017.  The firm’s mission is to help career women & Moms to alleviate their mental stress by providing home therapy.  Casa Marcelo has been previously featured on Dwell, Design*Sponge,Tastemade Video, Mercury Mosaics, and more!  Check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com for some home care tips & tricks. 

Eve Epstein is the VP of Content at Hunker, the fastest growing home and decor site that offers design solutions and tips from real people for real people.  We discuss what she’s letting go (design wise) for 2020, and  what’s new on the horizon for Hunker in 2021.  Check out the shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com for some holiday gift giving ideas this season. 

I’m excited this week to be sharing my conversation with NY based interior designer Tina Ramchandani at Tina Ramchandani Creative (TRC); her team designs warm, modern interiors that fully capture their clients’ polished lifestyles.  I was so happy Tina could fit me into her busy schedule, and we also got to talk about her furry interior design assistant.  Check out the shoppable mood board based on this conversation at angelabelt.com.

I don’t know about you, but this week I just need to see and hear some good news. So I decided to air one of my favorite Instagram accounts I like to visit for a pick me up, Racheal Jackson’s banyanbridges.  Two things keep me going back to Racheal’s account: she is fearless with her approach to DIY and murals design; and  secondly, she feels like her authentic self. So I wasn’t surprised that when we did this interview it felt pretty easy to talk to her.  Check out shoppable mood board at angelabelt.com. 

This week I'm doing a special Thanksgiving podcast interview with Rasheeda Gray the principal designer of Gray Space Interiors,  a full-service design firm in the Philadelphia area. We're going to talking about wha'ts her zoom background going to look like this Thanksgiving, and what is she most thankful for in her home this year? Check out the shoppable mood board highlighting Black owned businesses this year to buy from on Black Friday.