By Nicholas Tamarin
As Fall Market drew to a close, NKBA continued its dynamic programming at Broad Hall, focusing on the power of emotion, color, and creativity in design–culminating in an evening of celebration among the industry’s most innovative thinkers and leaders.
After a blustery High Point morning, brightened by mimosas and Miele-made cappuccinos, designers packed Broad Hall for a lively discussion on how color and light shape mood, wellness, and the overall home experience. The “Design Kaleidoscope: Color and Light Trends in Kitchen + Bath” session, moderated by the charming Carisha Swanson, Market Director for House Beautiful, included panelists Tanya Smith-Shiflett from Unique Kitchens & Baths, Heather French from French & French Interiors, Lutron Ambassador Julee Ireland of Julee Ireland Design Studio & Founder, and Sue Wadden, Director of Color Marketing for Sherwin-Williams. The group explored how post-pandemic design priorities—biophilia, neuroaesthetics, and emotional connection—are influencing both palettes and lighting plans.
Wadden highlighted the shift toward organic, restorative color families and natural wood tones that bring warmth and grounding into the home, while French discussed the sophisticated art of layering bold hues and patterns while maintaining balance. At the same time, Ireland and Smith-Shiflett emphasized the role of lighting as “the emotional anchor” of any design. “Lighting is the extension of the paintbrush,” said Ireland. “It doesn’t just support the design—it brings it to life.” Together, the panel painted a vision of a future led by wellness-driven, human-centered design, where circadian lighting, tactile finishes, and livable color palettes redefine comfort and creativity in the kitchen and bath.
Creativity, Ambition, and Fearless Entrepreneurship
NKBA’s final panel of the series delivered a burst of energy and inspiration as leading founders shared their unfiltered journeys through risk, reinvention, and resilience. “Leveraging the Entrepreneurial Spirit for Your Business,” moderated by Chandler Presson Pibl, Interiors Market Editor at Modern Luxury, featured a panel that included designers Richard Anuszkiewicz and Arianne Bellizaire (Arianne Bellizaire Interiors), along with founders Ryan Bloom (Urban Bonfire) and Jake Slatnick (FreePower).
Panelists spoke candidly about early struggles, scaling with intention, and finding purpose in perseverance. Bloom emphasized collaboration as a cornerstone of success, while Bellizaire and Anuszkiewicz underscored authenticity and focus as the designer’s most powerful tools. Slatnick reflected on the creative mindset behind innovation: “Entrepreneurship isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about building systems that let you recover faster.” He added, “Innovation happens when you stop designing for today’s problems and start designing for tomorrow’s expectations.” The discussion closed on a resonant note—success in design and business demands curiosity, empathy, and a relentless drive to ask, “Why not?”
Evening Reception: Vision Realized
As twilight fell, NKBA hosted an intimate VIP Cocktail Reception at Broad Hall for its most valued designers and brand partners. Cocktails flowed and DJ SK101 set the tone with upbeat mixes as NKBA Global President & CEO Bill Darcy raised a glass in gratitude: “What began as a vision became something truly extraordinary. Thank you to everyone—our team, partners, and brands—who helped bring Broad Hall to life.”
Darcy extended special thanks to Tammy Covington, the High Point Market Authority, and Cosentino’s Patty Dominguez for her creative foresight. The toast marked the close of an unforgettable Market—one defined by connection, collaboration, and a shared commitment to shaping the future of design.
