Tyka Pryde has always loved interior design. The innovative interior designer says she fondly remembers constantly rearranging the furniture in her bedroom in her youth. It wasn’t until after attending film school and learning about color theory, proportions, and lighting that she learned the transformative power of a well-designed space.
“I’m Emmy-nominated for my work as art director on Netflix’s Queer Eye, but my heart beats for everyday people who deserve to feel proud of their homes. There’s nothing like watching someone walk into a space that finally reflects who they are or who they’re becoming,” Pryde tells BrownStyle Magazine in an exclusive interview.
She continues, “Seeing tears, seeing confidence rise, seeing people reclaim their peace— that’s the joy of interior design. As much as I live to take something ordinary and make it extraordinary, I also really love to help people feel seen, safe, and inspired again.”
Making Design More Accessible For All
“Bold, soulful, and deeply personal” are the words Pryde uses to describe her design style. Her amazing skills landed her a home makeover show on BET Her called Design My Space: Atlanta.
In the series, the design expert beautifully helps Atlanta residents—first-time homeowners, empty nesters, and entrepreneurs—reimagine their spaces with stunning yet affordable makeovers.
“I wanted to show that you don’t need a high-end budget to create a space that feels luxurious, healing, and full of pride,” the TV host shares, noting Atlanta has been near and dear to her heart since going to film school in the city.
She continues, “Our homes have such an impact on our mental health; I think it’s very deep and not just surface-level extravagance. I’m very passionate about providing as much information and education as I can around interior design so that everyone can create a space that they are happy to come home to.”
How To Create A Space You Love
Pryde has made it her mission to create spaces that enhance mental and emotional well-being. According to the expert, creating a space you love starts with knowing how you want each room to feel.
“Start with one question: How do I want to feel in this room? Then design for that. Whether it’s calm, creative, sexy, or cozy, use color, artwork, shapes, and lighting to anchor that emotion,” she explains. “I think people often start by looking at an image on Pinterest and try to force that image into their space. It’s not a good approach. Always start with how you want to feel.”
For those looking for a calm and relaxed home, Pryde suggests looking for colors, materials, and textures that make you feel calm and relaxed, like creamy whites, soft blues, sage green, curved lines, archways, and velvet.
If you want to feel cozy, she suggests using lots of soft, warm lighting through table lamps, pendant lights, and sconces. She also suggests adding natural materials like wood, leather, stone, and plants to bring a sense of organic warmth.
“Starting with a feeling is the only worthwhile starting point,” she reminds us. “I don’t follow trends. I’m obsessed with color, texture, and mixing high and low pieces to create emotional impact.”
And for those who need a little help creating a space they love, Pryde hopes to break down the misconception that hiring an interior designer is only for “rich” people.
“Hiring a designer saves you a ton of time, a ton of stress, and money in the long run. We help you avoid costly mistakes, make smart investments, and bring your vision to life in a way that truly fits your lifestyle,” she reveals. “If design isn’t your strength, hiring a professional is a really smart investment. It takes the pressure off of you and guarantees a beautiful, functional outcome.”
What’s Next For Tyka Pryde
The future looks bright for the visionary interior designer! When asked about what’s next for Design My Space: Atlanta, Pryde happily responds: “We’re dreaming bigger. More cities. More stories. And hopefully, more seasons!”
She is also putting her all into bringing awareness to her nonprofit, WellNest, which is all about using design as a tool for mental and emotional well-being and healing.
“WellNest seeks to transform the spaces of those in need and bring dignity back to their environments on their healing journeys,” she tells us. “I’m also launching a digital design course to help regular folks become experts in their own spaces. I want to build an empire that makes design feel accessible and magical.”
To learn more about Pryde and her upcoming projects, visit tykapryde.com and follow her on Instagram!
Editor’s Note: This story has been edited and condensed for clarity.
By BrownStyle Magazine in Special Editions
72 pages, published 1/17/2025
