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Membership Expansion, Diana Mosher and Jeannine Price
Advocacy, Rose Ott
Student Initiatives Activities, Julie Schuster
Programs, Joan Ravasy, Ellen Lopez
Monday, July 21st
Zoom: Board + Council Only
Monday, August 18th
Zoom: Board + Council Only
Self nominations for open board positions are due by July 31. Current open positions for two year terms: President, Communications Chair and Programs Chair
In May, the NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter gathered at the Hafele showroom in Flatiron for the CEU-accredited “Think Inside the Box: Lighting Up Cabinetry” presentation by lighting expert Kelly Inglis. Attendees gained valuable insights on how to plan and integrate innovative millwork lighting solutions for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home. Pictured above is guest speaker from Vancouver, Kelly Inglis, who says Think Inside the Box, at the NKBA at Hafele Showroom.Below are a few soundbites and highlights from members who attended the event:
Kelly Inglis actively carried the high energy and lively interaction of people, conversations, and refreshments into a nicely seated event. Inglis shared technical and design views on interplaying lighting in cabinetry spaces. She also inspired us to ask well-organized questions as we design with lighting elements.
Working in the paint industry you see how much light can affect the colors. Seeing the difference in each area of the Showroom helps me identify what colors may or may not work for clients before we start the process.
One piece of advice Kelly shared that I will continue to implement is utilizing samples in all different areas of your spaces so you can narrow down what you like and don't like when pairing your lighting options to your colors. This includes making sure, if you have a piece of furniture or anything else you are certain will be in the space you're redoing- look at the paint next to that with the different lighting styles as the light can reflect off your items and then alter your perception of the color.
Pictured above: Kelly Inglis and Hafele’s Rod Jean
One product from the Hafele showroom that I saw and loved was the wine cabinet that was first displayed when you walked in. It was a wood look with multiple shelves and had a wine glass rack on one side. My family has their own small wine collection so items like that always catch my eye. There are so many unique wine storage options but this one specifically wasn't too bulky and had a nice modern but classic look which can fit into any style home.
Ahmed Ahmed, A2A Design, Waterworks
One of the standout moments for me was discovering the Folding Concepta 25 mechanism. Its sleek, space-saving design and smooth functionality immediately caught my attention. I’m currently working on a compact living project, and this mechanism aligns perfectly with the aesthetic and functional goals of the space. I’m excited to integrate it into my design and explore its full potential.
Additionally, Kelly Inglis’s presentation was both insightful and energizing. Her approach to lighting design—especially the emphasis on integrating lighting within cabinetry and millwork—offered valuable strategies that I plan to incorporate into future projects. The session truly highlighted how lighting can elevate not just the look, but the experience of a space.
Thank you again to Häfele and NKBA for hosting such a well-curated and engaging event. I look forward to future gatherings and continued inspiration.
See snaps from the event below, and the full gallery of images captured by Jeff Siegel linked here.
Host John Risch, Bsn & Showroom Manager and Kelly Inglis flank one of the three lucky raffle winners who each received a copy of Master Designs by Ellen Cheever She was a very special friend of Häfele’s and NKBA | KBIS honors her memory with the Ellen Cheever Award.
Dana Matassa -Miele, Fred Albano-Albano Appliances, Frederick Frank-SKS, and Charlé-John- NKBA Chapter-NYC President
Waterworks attendees included Edward Wilson, left and Ahmed Ahmed, who helped review the event for this story.
Ellen Lopez co-events chair and who introduced the event, brought along her son,Jeremy, a talented tenor, before he heads off to work with Central City Opera this summer.
Sherwin Williams was well represented with Cindy Ramnarine, Morgan Miller andSabrina Petrillo, right, who noted what she found especially informative about the talk and her showroom find there!
Meet the Winners Of The NKBA-Manhattan Inspire Awards at ICFF 2025
Noah Kaplan of Leon accepts Best in Show award presented by judges. Photo credit: Jeff Siegel.
By Diana Mosher, Membership Chair
At this year’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), NKBA and Aspire teamed up for the Inspire Awards, celebrating the best in furnishings, decor, seating, lighting, booth design, and more. On Sunday, May 18, the panel of judges from the NKBA Manhattan NYC Chapter hit the Javits center bright and early in search of the most interesting, innovative and beautiful products in a wide variety of categories beyond kitchen and bath. Thank you to our media sponsor aspire design and home magazine for collaborating. Read their story here with additional photos by Jeff Siegel of the winners. And, a big thanks to our panel of esteemed judges (pictured L to R): Hila Sabin, Diana Mosher, Barbara Haberman, Sandra Singh, Felicitas Oefelein, Coco Kanakis, JoAnn Genova, Sami Kelmendi, and Jamie Keel.
The next Inspire Awards is scheduled for opening day of BDNY in November. If you’d like to be a judge please email Diana Mosher, NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter Membership Chair at mosherdiana@gmail.com
BEST OF SHOW
Art Prints by Leon Speakers
BEST BOOTH DESIGN
Larose Guyon
BEST ACCESSORIES ART | Chosen by Barbara Haberman
Art Prints by Leon Speakers
BEST LIGHTING | Chosen by Sami Kelmendi
Saule by Larose Guyon
BEST SEATING | Chosen by Sandra Singh
Atmósfera Collection by Feeling
BEST FURNITURE | Chosen by Felicitas Oefelein
Custom Oak Armoire by Brooklyn Millwork
BEST OUTDOOR FURNITURE | Chosen by JoAnn Genova
Renegade Neutrals by Zachary A.
BEST CARPET | Chosen by Coco Kanakis
Anne-Marie Barton Collection by Eliko Rugs
BEST TEXTILE | Chosen by Hila Sabin
Reishi by Mycoworks
BEST WALL TREATMENT | Chosen by Jamie Keel
Wood Series by Submaterial
EDITOR’S CHOICE | Chosen by Diana Mosher
Morpho by Tomorrowland
WHAT IS SO RARE AS A DAY IN JUNE?
June arrives like a breath of fresh air, especially after a very wet and cold May. Soft, golden, and full of promise, so perfectly phrased in..... “What is so rare as a day in June?” — from The Vision of Sir Launfal by James Russell Lowell. These cherished days mark the threshold of summer in the Northeast, a season that always seems to pass too quickly. The secret is to be ready! So, make the most of every moment, every gathering, every spark of inspiration. And remember to celebrate it with our community at NKBA Manhattan-NYC events, excursions, and learning experiences.
June Journeys: Celebrating Design, Community, and the Start of Summer
We’re kicking off the month with something truly special: a luxury bus trip on June 12th to the strikingly modern Sub-Zero Showroom in Roslyn, for a “Summer Celebration.” A luxury bus experience is being made possible by the imagination and generosity of our sponsor, Clerestory. Then, on June 24th, the A&D Building comes alive for Market Day, an exciting festivity of design, where several of our sponsors will be hosting events throughout the building, including the beautiful Hastings Bath Collection showroom.
June holds a special place in my heart. It’s my birth month, the time when the school year concludes, pools open, and excursions to the “shore” hold promise. It’s a month woven with memories, both personal and professional. That same spirit of warmth, community, and meaningful connection is what we strive to foster at NKBA Manhattan-NYC.
Looking just beyond June, the NY Design Coalition, a collaborative partnership with the NY chapters of IFDA, ASID, DLF, IDS, and NKBA-NYC, is preparing a spectacular Summer Social for July – “City Lights, City Nights.” This year’s gathering will take place (for members only) at the luminous Acuity Brands Inspiration Gallery at Penn Plaza, a fitting setting for this vibrant tradition.
As always, we look to the future with purpose. Self-nominations for our 2026 Board are closing soon for the roles of President, Programs, and Communications. The results will be announced at our Annual Board Dinner in August. And yes, mark your calendars—Education Day 2025 commemorates Kitchen & Bath Month in October, our chapter’s 25th anniversary year. Plans are already underway to gather and celebrate our community for the fourth year with fun, learning (CEU) experiences, Keynote Luncheon, and cocktail reception at the A&D Building. Contact Jeannine Price if you would like to help plan this event or volunteer for the day.
A Month of Connection: Celebrating Design, Dialogue, and Distinction
The May chapter event recap celebrates the outstanding turnout at the Hafele Showroom, where Kelly Inglis presented her engaging CEU, "Think Inside the Box," an insightful look at the intersection of lighting and cabinetry. As always, Hafele proved to be an exceptional host. Like any close-knit family, we found ourselves naturally gathered around the food, laughing, learning, and connecting. Hafele’s generosity and gracious hospitality set the perfect tone for an inspiring evening.
We’re also proud to share highlights from our chapter’s ICFF Awards, sponsored by aspire design & home magazine. Our Membership Chair, Diana Mosher, offers a fantastic overview of the honorees. Several of our chapter members shared their impressions of the iconic ICFF design trade fair, which was held last month at the Javits Center in NYC, and many of the other design events held across the city, all part of the NYCxDesign Festival. Their insights bring the energy of ICFF directly to our community—thank you to all who participated!
This month’s spotlight shines on Michelle Shen, our new newsletter editor, whose talent and dedication have already made a meaningful impact. Michelle has streamlined production and brought a fresh perspective to our communications. Welcome aboard! We're also thrilled to welcome three new Gold Sponsors: Summit Appliance, Houzz Pro, and CIOT NY. Our growing roster of new members is also listed. Their presence enriches our chapter, and we’re delighted to have them with us—a big welcome to them all.
And speaking of fresh ideas, don’t miss our newest column, 'From the Field.' This is your space to share firsthand experiences from industry events, conferences, vendors, and showrooms. Whether you attended a panel discussion, discovered a product launch, or simply had a meaningful design encounter, we want to hear from you. Please remember to send your POV & pictures to <communications@nkbamanhattan.org>. Your stories inspire and connect us all. And if you're going to maintain your certification, the ‘Check This Out’ column each month gives you a list of all the NKBA Certified CEU webinars and the latest news.
Step In, Stand Out: Make the Most of Your Membership Through Volunteering
As we move through this vibrant season, I encourage you to get more involved with our chapter! There’s no better way to feel connected than by volunteering. Whether it’s helping at an event, joining a committee, or contributing your voice to our newsletter, volunteering gives you a genuine stake in our community. It transforms your membership into something even more rewarding, opening doors, strengthening professional ties, and supporting your personal and business growth in ways that are both meaningful and lasting. Contact any of the subcommittee chairs and find a place on their committee.
Here’s to all the exciting moments ahead. Wishing you a joyful June, and may it be as rare and beautiful as Lowell promises.
Warmly,
Charlé-John
President, NKBA-NYC Chapter
charle@cjcstrategists.com
Welcome New Members!
Bestrim Shabani, BSH Contracting
George Godberson, Ann Sacks
Jason Allocco, Architectural Grille
Adriana Giumenta, Architectural Grille
Johannes Herzer, Doorboost
Ed Pittman, Homescape 3
Austin Scocozza, M.R.S. Kitchens
Dayne Scocozza, M.R.S. Kitchens
Ralph Scocozza, M.R.S. Kitchens
Maria Ruf, M.R.S. Kitchens
Min Vo, McKinsey & Company
Welcome New Sponsors!
SUMMIT APPLIANCE
HOUZZ PRO
CIOT NY
Unleashing Creativity Through Campaigns
How Michelle Shen Helps Brands Make an Impact
By Maureen Klein
At age six, Michelle’s parents signed her up for kids weekend art classes at MoMA. “That’s where I first fell in love with art and design”, she says. She also treasured her visits to Dad’s bustling retouching agency where he was designing ads or fine tuning photos for brands like BMW, Annie Liebovitz and Grey Goose. “Seeing and feeling the creative energy at his office was electrifying and made me want to be a part of it.” Those “bring-your-daughter-to-work” days and early-on art lessons helped plot the trajectory that led her to a career in art, design, and marketing.
So Michelle, where did you grow up and go to school?
My family, including a younger brother, lived in a New Jersey suburb, about 25 miles from NYC. I went to Livingston High School where I participated in dance and track. Influenced by my earlier exposure at MoMA, Studio Art was a favorite subject, along with French. Staying in New Jersey, I continued at Rutgers University, getting my BA, Major in Communications, with Minors in Art History and Economics.
What was the first job you held?
During high school, I worked in retail at the Club Monaco store at the Short Hills Mall. There, I started taking a stronger interest in fashion and would eventually complete a marketing internship at Ralph Lauren/ Club Monaco, at their NY corporate office.
And after college?
I worked at Starworks, a fashion PR agency in Soho. I soon realized it wasn’t quite for me and moved to VP+C, a boutique design-focused PR agency where we worked with a range of interior design brands and architectural products. It felt like I finally found my career fit – working in marketing with other people who loved to dream up and bring to life big, bold campaigns. Our clients included a wide range from retailers like Kate Spade Home and Arhaus, to wallcoverings like Benjamin Moore and Valspar, trade shows such as the New York Tabletop Show, a building at 41 Madison with 90 kitchenware and tableware brands, and kitchen and bath brands like Dornbracht, Waterworks, Brizo and Ferguson. It's been 15 years since I went to my very first ICFF as a Dornbracht PR rep in 2010, it's amazing to see how much the show has evolved!
And are you still there?
No, three years ago, I joinedDiffusion PR, an amazing international agency with a stellar team of whip smart, creative, fun people. As Vice-President, I oversee our consumer and design brands which include our portfolio of home, hospitality, wellness and food/beverage related brands like Hutton Brickyards, Chasing Paper, Bespoke Post, Burrow, easyplant, to name a few.
Besides work, how else do you spend your time?
I have a daughter who’s four and feisty! She keeps me and my husband running… and grounded. Simple pleasures – skiing, travel, and yoga. We recently moved to Roseland, NJ, not too far from where I grew up. In my free time I love cooking and getting ideas from this sommelier who specializes in making dips, one of my favorite influencers to follow – I aspire to be her.
You joined NKBA this year, any first impressions?
I wanted to get more involved in a design-industry organization and thought I’d give NKBA a try and I’m thrilled I did. I love writing and right away I volunteered to serve on the newsletter committee. Everyone has been so welcoming and I’m excited to get to know more members at upcoming events, too.
Thinking back, was there one PR campaign that really stands out?
A favorite was when we worked withFerguson to bring families into the showroom on weekends for a kids cooking class called Ferguson’s Future Foodies. These free classes were hosted by a non-profit calledSpoons Across America. It was such a fun campaign to produce and a great feel good for everyone to give back to a worthy cause.
Give back campaigns are my absolute favorite. For Benjamin Moore, we once painted 50 shelters in 50 states in 50 days! A rush and a wild ride, I saw parts of the country I never thought I would. Similarly, for Valspar Paint, we once launched a #ColorForAll campaign, where we partnered with enchroma to help colorblind people see color for the first time. Their reactions were so heartwarming! Dreaming up creative campaigns that make a difference is what I love to do.
And those weekend chefs classes just might be the inspiration that helps some of those kids chart their career course, as the MoMA did for Michelle!
Two of the campaigns that Michelle loved working on, Ferguson’s Future Foodies and Valspar’s #ColorForAll
Photo credit: Ferguson, Valspar
Highlights from NYCxDesign
Field Reporter: Barbara Haberman
Out and about on the design streets of NYC is extra special during NYCxDesign Festival’s “ICFF Night Out”. The showrooms are a bevy of activity, so inspiring for design enthusiasts, and running into design friends, so fun too. Here are just a few of the spots I sampled. In the photos above from left to right:
LIXIL Water Experience Center, was one of the stops in the Flatiron District. Here is one of the five dresses that Christian Siriano designed which was inspired by the GROHE Essence Collection, showing the transformative power of water.
SURFACES & CO. revealed a new collection, JARDEN ÉTERNEL, bringing guests through a journey revealing the effortless beauty of nature’s timeless rhythms, accompanied by the romantic sounds of violins playing.
Tilebar collaborated with Material Bank and hosted a petal pushing party called THE INSPIRATION EDIT: BLOOM with lots of other give-aways too.
One of the many spots across NYCxDESIGN festival, on the left here is the 2025 Design Pavillion by Lexus at Hudson Yards - a multi sensory experience that redefines the intersection of innovation and elegance. One can touch the wall that outlines the space and change the color of the glow color. Diana Mosher, Barbara Haberman and Liz Craig are hoping to catch a ride.
Field Reporter: Michelle Shen, VP Diffusion PR
AI is unavoidable these days, and it was interesting to see how tech is driving new platforms at ICFF. One new thing that caught my eye was the Arcade.ai booth featuring custom AI designed decor. The platform is intended to be a designer’s new best friend offering a new way to quickly design and produce fully custom decor made by bespoke quality manufacturers from around the world.
In addition to ICFF, I checked out the new show in town - Shelter, produced by the team behind Shoppe Object. This event took place at the Starrett Lehigh building and featured a gallery-like feel with eye catching displays from independent designers and studios like A. Space, Pieces Rugs, Stickbulb, andParmatile, pictured above.
Field Reporter: Jennifer Mirsky, PitchPerfectContent.com
ICFF panel: "Sound as Art: Exploring the Intersection of Design and Technology"
An interior designer, technology designer, and AV manufacturer walk onto a stage…
This 360°-discussion moderated by Tony Monteleone was exhilarating because it gave us novel, groundbreaking ways to think about sound as a design element.
Noah Kaplan of Leon declared that “sound can be seen and design can be heard.” Mull that over for a minute. Leon’s speakers are game-changing not just because of their immersive acoustics but because they are works of art. (Pictured: Leon’s Ente SoundTile, in collaboration with artist Tannis Marshall)
Sharon Sherman, who balances health, wellness, function, and beauty in her designs, told us that “It’s not just how you feel when you are in the space, it’s how the space feels when you are in it because you’re bringing your own energy into that room.”
Rex Aguirre explained how collaboration — early in the process — between an interior designer and technology designer enables a seamless integration of sound.
Pictured from L to R: Moderator Tony Monteleone of Monteleone Consulting, Rex Aguirre of Premiere Systems Design, Sharon Sherman of Thyme & Place Design, and Noah Kaplan of Leon Speakers
June 5, 2025
Women in Construction Panel | Soft Skills BOLD IMPACT
Join us for an engaging event focused on empowering women in roofing, construction, and related industries through the development of impactful soft skills. This year’s theme, Soft Skills, Bold Impact, explores how everyday interactions shape long-term success. Our panel will dive into real-world strategies around making strong first impressions, creating authentic support networks, and navigating tough decisions with clarity and confidence. Attendees will walk away with actionable advice and insights to elevate their professional journey.
Join us for Market Day 2025 at the A&D Building--a dynamic gathering where architects and designers come together to explore the latest innovations in design.
The Luxury Revolution: Why Your High-End Clients Are Looking Elsewhere
Don’t miss this bold conversation!
Join Bob Gifford of Hastings Bath Collection and Pamela McNally for a thought-provoking panel during A&D Market Day, June 24 at 11:00am in Hastings' showroom. “The Luxury Revolution: Why Your High-End Clients Are Looking Elsewhere” dives into shifting mindsets and what it means for your business. Prepare to be challenged—and inspired.
NOTE: Each seminar is free for NKBA members and provides .1CEU
You’ll be glad you did.
11 Ways to Age-Proof Your Bathroom from Houzz
Learn how to create a safe and accessible bathroom without sacrificing style
By Sam Ferris, Houzz Contributor. If you’re planning to stay in your house for the rest of your life, consider renovating your bathroom with accessibility in mind. Along with kitchens, bathrooms are one of the spaces homeowners use the most. They also happen to be wet zones. Reducing slip hazards and ensuring adequate lighting and maximum comfort are vital when creating an age-proof bathing space. Universal design features also make a bathroom more accessible for people of any age with a disability or an injury. These 11 ideas will help make your bathroom safe and easy to use for decades to come.
Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Kitchen Design Contest is open!
Enhance your career by entering the Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) 2024-2025 today. This global contest offers an opportunity to gain recognition, build your business, and possibly win large cash prizes! In this blind contest, judges evaluate all qualifying entries based on best functional and aesthetic use of Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances and overall kitchen design. Finalists will be awarded an all-expenses-paid trip for two to a fabulous location for the KDC Summit and Gala in 2026! The last day to submit your entries is January 31, 2026. Do not delay!
The Communications Committee seeks a co-newsletter chair or editor for outbound marketing to supply or report on relevant industry news. We'd love you to join our team if you have social media or writing skills. Please contact Communications@nkbamanhattan.org.
The mission of the NKBA is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through the creation of certifications, marketplaces, and networks.
