How to Decorate

Ep. 290: Aphrochic and the Legacy of Black Design

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It’s a very special episode this week as we welcome Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason, the brainchild of the husband and wife team behind AphroChic. Their latest release, AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home, is a gorgeous and impactful book that showcases the stories of numerous homes and the in-depth conversations with the residents that celebrate their unique family story. Jeanine and Bryan talk about the inspiration behind the book and how the story of home begins way before we enter the home we’re in now. They talk about the decision to create a design book that is also a history book, and the intention of storytelling in a way that is educational, expansive, and entertaining.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:


  • Jeanine and Bryan talk about their journey into Aphrochic and their “why” behind the book.
  • The families selected were some designers, but also teachers, chef, writers, and just people with aesthetic and authentic taste.
  • Aphrochic shows that design is so much more than just choosing color and a palette. It’s about creating a feeling and sharing your story.
  • The feeling of safety, freedom, and visibility is extremely important in many Black family homes.
  • Jeanine and Bryan talk about their own upbringings and how the feeling of a space impacted them to their adult lives.
  • Jeanine and Bryan talk about working together to write the book even through health challenges.
  • The stories in Aphrochic tell stories of both economic perspectives between Black and white homes and also feature beautiful portraits of resilience and joy.
  • What’s a “womb room?”
  • A bit about what’s next for Jeanine and Bryan, including their magazine Aphrochic Magazine and a line of products.


    • Mentioned in This Episode:

    AphroChic: Celebrating the Legacy of the Black Family Home


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