On September 17, one day before the New York Design Center’s annual What’s New, What’s Next event, Business of Home and the National Kitchen and Bath Association hosted a luncheon for this year’s design ambassadors in the Benjamin Moore showroom. The media brand, industry organization and paint company welcomed more than 30 designers, who came by the center to shop showrooms and preview new products ahead of WNWN’s crowds. BOH editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen and NKBA’s director of chapters & learning Kelly Buchsbaum both made brief remarks. 

“It was such a joy to represent NKBA and connect with the What’s New, What’s Next design ambassaors at this wonderful event,” said Buchsbaum. “Business of Home is an incredible partner, and together we forged new relationships with designers and educated attendees on the value of being an NKBA member—all against the backdrop of Benjamin Moore’s stunning showroom.”

“We were so thrilled to welcome the What’s New, What’s Next ambassadors to 200 Lex, and to spotlight the NKBA’s important role supporting designers as they look to the kitchen and bath categories as key growth areas for their firms,” said Petersen. “This lunch was full of connection and community, which is often the springboard for innovation. I’m so grateful for partners like NKBA that seek to amplify opportunities for industry professionals.”

Attendees, including Penny Baird, Arianne Bellizaire, Christine Carney, Kelly Collier-Clark, Antonio DeLoatch, Elissa Grayer, Delia Kenza, Isabel Ladd, Peti Lau, Abigail Marcelo, Susie Novak, Hill Rondero, Beth Diana Smith, Brad Thornton, Ashi Waliany and other NYDC design ambassadors, enjoyed an afternoon of connections, cocktails, a seated lunch and personalized portraits by artist Deanna First.