Black Designers Imagine Obsidian, the House of the Future

At Town & Country, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, we like to look at history for inspiration and to provide context. But while history is important, it isn't necessarily inclusive. That's why when Black Artists + Designers Guild partnered with T&C, Elle Decor, Veranda, and House Beautiful to create a virtual concept house, they wanted to look to the future for inspiration. "It was less about the architectural canon than it was looking to Afro-Futurism, the philosophy of imagining a future instead," says Nina Cooke, architect and part of the BADG Obsidian project. "We envisioned an ideal future, a home with space for multi-generational living, an emphasis on technology, places for growing and making food, and opportunities for health and wellness."

Twenty-three designers and architects came together to create rooms for the Obsidian House, which is imagined to be located in Oakland, California, in 2025. "Oakland has a lot of history for the Black community and social movements, so it felt like a good place to situate this home." Throughout February, the Obsidian Virtual Concept House will be open for exploration alongside events and discussions about home as a place where Black families can thrive.

Thank you to the Obsidian House sponsors: Caesarstone, Fiskars, Pottery Barn, Resource Furniture, S. Harris, Stark, Thermador, YLighting