EVENTS
Introducing the WNWN 2021 Ambassadors!
Meet the 2021 What’s New, What’s Next Ambassadors! This vibrant community of designers will be sharing insights, content, product picks, and so much more from September 20 – October 1, 2021, for the New York Design Center’s twelfth annual What’s New, What’s Next event.
Introduced last year to unite designers at a time when gathering was not possible but being together (virtually) was more important than ever, the 2021 program continues to celebrate our industry’s ongoing creativity and positivity – locally and globally.
From up and comers to industry veterans, the WNWN 2021 Ambassador group aims to amplify voices from all over the country, truly representing diversity in perspective, creativity, and culture. Read on to meet the full group and stay tuned for more to come from this inspiring group of accomplished and talented designers.
Headshots and list information as of 8.20.2021
Alberto Villalobos
Alicia Bailey
Allison Babcock
Alvin Wayne
“The spike in housing and helping make cookie-cutter new construction more curated with more character.” – Amber Guyton, @blessedlittlebungalow
Amy Lau
“The fact that clients are becoming more excited about expressing their personal style than following a specific trend.” – Anelle Gandelman, @alistinteriors
“I'm excited to see more COLOR! No more neutral on neutral just for the sake of following that trend.” – Arianne Bellizaire, @ariannebellizaireinteriors
Ariella Duker
Ariene Bethea
Arlene Angard
Audrey Margarite
Barry Goralnick
“I'm currently obsessed with funky oversized sideboards and cabinets that are textured and beautifully unexpected.” – Beth Diana Smith, @bethdianasmith
“Always texture and forever natural neutrals- I do love an autumnal palette!” – Beth Webb, @bethwebb
Breegan Jane
Brittany Cooper
“Wild Victorian era Paris porcelain.” – Courtney Coleman, @brockschmidtandcoleman
Bruce Fox
“We are loving shapely framed mirrors that add an unexpected element to a space - like a piece of jewelry.” – Jesse Carrier & Mara Miller, @carrierandco
"I'm really excited that my clients have moved on from gray and are also embracing more color and traditional wood finishes for cabinetry." - Chad Graci, @graciinteriors
“The growing consciousness around the value of design at home.” – Charlie Ferrer, @ferrer.co
“Re-inventing the way we do things! The world seems to be backordered at the moment, and I refuse to fall into that hole. I want to not only keep up the momentum of our work but create new and inventive ways to make our work better than ever and continue to exceed clients' expectations. It's uncomfortable to change and evolve but the more I push myself to do just that, the more I grow and never look back at the old ways!” – Charlotte Lucas, @charlottehlucas
Christina Nielsen
Dallas Jenkins
Danielle Rollins
David Quarles IV
DuVal Reynolds
Elena Frampton
Elissa Grayer
"COLOR! No matter the color. We have been purveyors of saturated color for 20+ years and its finally catching fire. That is thrilling to witness and see how designers and end-users are welcoming and embracing it." - Erin Shakoor, @shakoor_interiors
Evelyn Benatar
Everick Brown
Gil Walsh
Gioi Tran
Isabel Ladd
Janice Parker
Jean Liu
Jennifer Cohler Mason
Jessica Caldwell
Joan Enger
“Loving sustainably produced product (always first), that is rich in texture, fresh and edgy in design. Of course, vintage furniture is always one of the best ways to find tactile and well-designed furnishings that feel new again and are very friendly to the earth.” – John Douglas Eason. @jdeinteriordesign
Joy Williams
Kate Singer
Kathleen Walsh
Kati Curtis
“Sculptural and artisan furnishings that are thoughtfully handcrafted. Pieces that honor tradition by utilizing ancient techniques combined with new technologies. I never tire of antiques and vintage pieces. And I love clean simple lines that can be integrated into almost any environment.” – Keita Turner, @keitaturnerdesign
“I’m loving more color this year than ever. Accent chairs in orange, yellow, and green have been catching my eyes. Textures that are softer such as velvet or suede, LOVE!” – Kelly Collier-Clark, @plot_twist_design
Kendall Wilkinson
Kesha Franklin
Kristen McCory
Laquita Tate
Laurie Blumenfeld-Russo
Leah Alexander
"I'm most excited about all of us getting back to doing what we love and do best - helping our clients discover their inner home" - Lee Melahn,
"I'm excited that design is getting back to the artisan's point of view. Hand-made, unique items with a backstory resonate with designers and clients alike." - Letecia Ellis Haywood, @letecia.ellis.haywood
Lindsay MacRae
Liz Caan
Michelle Fahmy
Michelle Slovak
Mimi & Hill Interiors
Monica Jacobs-Driskell
“I am loving upholstery pieces in bouclée and earthy textures right now that remind me of nature or give an organic feel. Form and materials are the most important factors when choosing furnishings. – Natalie Kraiem, @nataliekraiem_interiors
“I'm loving anything that is textured with great color that can be multi-functioning. Slat walls are an example of that. Although it's trendy now, but a remake of old school paneled wall can be fun painted in any color. Also, can be used decoratively for the wall or as a space divider.” – Neecy Patton, @creative.redesign.by.neecy
“I'm usually a minimalist but I'm loving adding more and more texture even if I'm not a total maximalist.” – Nina Cooke-John, @ninacookejohnc
Nina Magon
"I'm loving that there's this renewed interest in personalizing one's space, in making it feel less like "what I've seen before" and more "how I want my home, restaurant, office... to feel." That interest is manifesting in more daring combinations, more nuanced mixes of sources, and I am here for all of it!" - Noz Nozawa, @noznozawa
Pappas Miron
Peti Lau
Philip Gorrivan
Phillip Thomas
Rachael Grochowski
“I think we're seeing a shift towards normalizing personal, intimate spaces. We've been talking about Quiet Rooms for a little over two years now, and clients are coming to us asking us to create them for them. The open floor plan, and all it connotes (chaos, noise, a hectic lifestyle) is passe, and clients are ready for peace and quiet and some alone time.” – Rachel Cannon, @rclinteriors
“Anything with a curve especially upholstery, textured walls, wallpaper everywhere and fluted or paneled walls.” – Rasheeda Gray, @grayspaceinteriordesign
Rayman Boozer
Rhonnika Clifton
Scot Meacham Wood
Sequoyah Hunter-Cuyjet
Shawn Henderson
Swati Goorha
“I love mixing finishes - matte black with brushed brass; appliances in interesting color with contrasting hardware; and fun geometric lighting that is big, bold and shiny.” – Tammy Bolden, @boldintdesign
Thom Filicia
Tiffanni Reidy
“I'm obsessed with soft, comfortable textures right now. The world still feels hectic and unpredictable, so I'm craving safety - and coziness is key! Large, encompassing chairs and oversized lighting for a statement are on my radar.” – Tina Ramchandani, @tinaramchandani
Todd Raymond
Tom Kligerman
Travis London
Whitney Jones
Young Huh
“I am loving how homes are feeling truly loved in. I’m loving layered, collected spaces filled with primitive objects, living metals, warm woods and colors, comfortable fabrics, soft shapes. The imperfect is being embraced. Old world techniques are in high demand. Spaces are feeling classic while still Chic and not overdone.” – Zoe Feldman, @zoefeldmandesign
