As people around the world follow stay-at-home guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the phrase “We’re all in this together” has taken on new meaning. If you’re feeling restless, overwhelmed, or simply bored, remember you are not alone. Many designers are navigating the same challenges—working from home, homeschooling children, entertaining family members and juggling daily responsibilities—while still finding creative ways to stay connected and bring beauty into everyday life.
In this piece we highlight four designers who are sharing inspiration, practical projects and uplifting messages during this unusual time. From plant-focused styling and playful DIY prompts on Instagram to the launch of new collections, their creative work offers both comfort and ideas for anyone looking to refresh the home. Below, we feature Justina Blakeney, Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent, and Kelly Wearstler.
Justina Blakeney
Justina Blakeney has built a vibrant design brand around her bohemian, plant-filled aesthetic known as the Jungalow. Her product ranges—rugs, wallpaper, bedding, furniture and art—blend eclectic patterns with abundant greenery, bringing warmth and personality to a wide variety of interiors. During the pandemic she’s been especially active online, using Instagram to share candid reflections and creative projects that encourage others to embrace everyday beauty.
One recent series, “Face the Foliage,” invites people to create faces and portraits from leaves, flowers and houseplants. Blakeney describes it as a “zero cost, zero waste” project that’s accessible to all ages and abilities—an easy, playful way to get outside and connect with nature while staying close to home. She also shares original prints and artwork, celebrating line drawing and hand-drawn motifs that translate beautifully into home accents.
Beyond social media, Blakeney has written about how plants and greenery can lift spirits and offer comfort during isolation. Her messages are simple and encouraging: tending plants and creating small, joyful projects can be healing, creative outlets in difficult times.
Thank you, Justina, for sharing projects that are fun, restorative and easy to try at home.
Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent
Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent are a design duo known for approachable, family-focused interiors. Berkus built his reputation with a friendly, practical approach to style that reached a wide audience through television and his design practice. Brent, who developed his craft in styling and interior projects, complements that sensibility with a refined California Modern point of view. Together they create spaces that feel lived-in, thoughtful and stylish.
While social distancing, Berkus and Brent have been posting honest snapshots of family life alongside accessible DIY projects. Their Instagram content includes simple, creative ideas—like making a shell mirror or putting together a black-and-white photo gallery—that anyone can do with limited supplies. These projects are perfect for families and individuals looking for hands-on activities to personalize their spaces.
The pair have also released new spring collections that offer fresh options for updating nurseries, living rooms and other rooms at home. Those launches provide a timely source of inspiration for anyone thinking about a seasonal refresh, whether you prefer neutral textures or modern silhouettes.
Whether you’re trying a small DIY or browsing new collections, their work is a reminder that design can be both practical and uplifting.
Kelly Wearstler
Kelly Wearstler is an influential designer celebrated for her mix of Modernism and Old Hollywood glamour. Her work spans hotels, residential projects, books and product design, and she’s long been known for bold, layered interiors. For anyone wanting a deeper look into design principles, Wearstler’s MasterClass on interior design offers structured lessons on color, scale, texture and personalizing spaces.
Wearstler’s online presence is also full of practical styling tips and visual inspiration. From virtual collaborations with florists to short tutorials on arranging a bench or curating decorative objects, she shares approachable techniques that help people make their homes feel intentional and expressive.
Her lessons focus on confidence with materials, color and composition, helping homeowners and aspiring designers make spaces that feel larger, more cohesive and personally meaningful.
One encouraging aspect of this challenging period is that it coincides with spring, a season when many designers release new collections and complete projects. Those launches, along with daily social posts and hands-on activities, give design enthusiasts plenty of uplifting distractions. Creativity has always been a way to connect with others and process difficult moments—these designers remind us that small, intentional acts of making and styling can brighten the day. You’re in our thoughts—thank you for reading.