The design community’s stylish twist on the first day of school, What’s New, What’s Next returns to the New York Design Center on September 18 to celebrate hundreds of product debuts, host more than 60 programs and open houses, and generally kick off the season with bushels of inspiration and the very best of vibes. This fall, fine-tuning the irresistible formula that attracts up to 4,000 visitors from across the country, including nearby New Jersey, Connecticut and Long Island, the decor epicenter at 200 Lexington Avenue—now in its 99th year—combines a focus on new textile showrooms with a flawlessly curated roster of activities and talks. Packing thought-provoking topics, compelling panelists and experiential immersions into a meticulously plotted schedule, the 17th iteration of the annual event promises that more attendees than ever will get the absolute most out of their visit—whether they’re dropping in for the morning, afternoon or evening segment or staying the entire day.
“The idea is, no matter where you are in the building, if you never left a particular floor, you could still experience a comprehensive mix of programs and showrooms,” says Alix Lerman, chief marketing officer at 200 Lex, who like a military general strategically maps out WNWN’s ever-evolving schedule on a massive whiteboard in her office to ensure it hits every target. “And if you start on the first floor and end at the top, that’s doable too,” she continues. “We put an emphasis on structuring complementary programming blocks, so that people can attend as much as possible, absorb valuable information in 20 to 30 minutes, navigate the building with ease, and still connect with everybody they come here to see.”
To make this year’s talks that much more impactful, moderators are often specialists in their respective subjects. Decorating expert Sophie Donelson discusses cross-disciplinary creativity with true originals like Susannah Charbin, Robert Rufino and illustrator Tanu Vasu at Arteriors, while at Dennis Miller New York, designer Phillip Thomas gets to question the very artisans he works with. “These moderators are like catalysts, an integral part of the conversation they’re conducting,” says Lerman. Business of Home will be central to the day’s agenda as well, hosting a morning panel about the industry’s most controversial topics at the brand-new Burton James showroom; tackling the thorny issue of tariffs with the hosts of The Thursday Show podcast; and exploring the special connections between travel and creativity in an afternoon session.
Another hot ticket? This year’s tote bags. Showcasing NYDC’s recent uptick in resident textile brands, the canvas carryalls will feature prints sponsored by such labels as Perennials, Peter Dunham, Thibaut and—promoting its new partnership with William Morris—House of Hackney. Names new to the WNWN directory this year include Christopher Farr Cloth, de Le Cuona, Pooky Lighting and Schumacher. They join such wide-ranging resources as Century, Visual Comfort and Wexler Gallery, all of which will be premiering new product—a primary purpose of the event. “That sometimes gets overshadowed by all the programming, but it’s in the name!” says Lerman. This year, she adds, showrooms are leaning into their product introductions in a more meaningful way: “They’re using the platform of What’s New, What’s Next to communicate what’s important about their brand.”
To start planning your personal itinerary, peruse this selection of star-studded panels, which represents just some of what the day has to offer. And be sure to keep an eye on 200 Lex’s website and Instagram for updates.
10:00 a.m. | Light Beyond the Blueprint: Creative Approaches to Landscape Design
Visual Comfort & Co., Suite 101
Elle Decor market director Benjamin Reynaert moderates this illuminating conversation among leading lighting designers and landscape architects Basar Erdener, Mario Nievera, Nathan Orsman and Stacy Paetzel about how lighting is the foundational spark of a truly exceptional outdoor space.
10:30 a.m. | In the Hot Seat with Burton James
Burton James, Suite 514
Business of Home editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen lobs design hot potatoes at an all-star panel that’s more than up to the challenge. Delia Kenza, Dan Mazzarini and Tina Ramchandani tackle everything from sharing resources on Instagram to managing remote work for team members. No topic is off the table, and the controversial takes are sure to be spicy!
10:45 a.m. | With Every Fiber of Our Being Film Premiere and de Le Cuona x Julie Clapton: Weaving Nature
de Le Cuona, Suite 1618
Following the premiere of the documentary short, Bernie de Le Cuona invites guests to contribute to a collaborative piece artist Julie Clapton will weave from the brand’s textiles, fibers and yarns at this immersive intersection of film, fabric and fine art.
10:45 a.m. | Reconsider This: Designers Go Head-to-Head on Controversial Design Styles
Pooky Lighting, Suite 411
Paint the ceiling? Embrace plywood? Commit to (gasp!) wall-to-wall carpeting? Domino digital director Lindsey Mather prompts opinionated design experts Cortney and Robert Novogratz of Studio Novogratz and Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum of Brownstone Boys to debate the decor trends they love to hate—and to make their case, pro or con.
11:00 a.m. | The Narrative Power of Color
Benjamin Moore, Suite 814
How do today’s designers tell color-driven stories across hospitality and home? From pigment to palette, House Beautiful editorial director Joanna Saltz covers every shade of the rainbow and then some with Nate Berkus, Sasha Bikoff, Rayman Boozer and Olivia Song.
11:00 a.m. | Art Advisory for Interior Designers: How Experts Elevate Your Projects
Interlude Home, Suite 608
From sourcing singular works to curating cohesive collections, moderator Genevieve Carter of Carter Design and three top art advisors—Laurie Carroll of Procurio Art Advisory, Sarah Jane Bruce of SJB Fine Art Services and Laura Smith Sweeney of LSS Art Advisory—share how they streamline the art selection process for interior designers.
11:15 a.m. | Designed to Tell: How Storytelling Moves Clients to Yes
Palecek, Suite 705
Plot twist: Today, it’s not enough for a room to be beautiful. Truly compelling interiors tell your clients’ stories. In conversation with Anastasia Casey of The Interior Collective, design translators Zoë Feldman, Anne McDonald, Jason Saft and Susana Simonpietri outline how they conceive, craft and edit personalized design narratives.
11:30 a.m. | How to Win in Today’s Design World with Authenticity
Rosemary Hallgarten & Tom Faulkner, Suite 401
Numb to sterile AI renderings, what discerning clients desire now is the real deal. Guided by journalist Busola Evans, renowned designers Rosemary Hallgarten, Tom Faulkner, Todd Raymond and David Scott explore how genuine materiality, craftsmanship and transparency can persuade even the most persnickety clients.
11:30 a.m. | Buy It! Frame It! Hang It!
Wendover Art Group, Suite 510
Acquiring art is one skill; displaying it is another. Galerie editor in chief Jacqueline Terrebonne asks a trio of interior designers with an aptitude for incorporating art into their schemes—Julie Hillman, Leyden Lewis and Bill Sofield—how they do it: the tips and tricks of backgrounds, frames and groupings that transform a seemingly disparate assortment of photographs and paintings into a gallery-worthy arrangement.
11:30 a.m. | Homes with Character and Expression
Sossego Modern Brazilian Design, Suite 1301
Along with architects Poonam Khanna of Unionworks and Rachael Stollar and Ward Welch of Studio SFW, Metropolis editor in chief Avinash Rajagopal investigates the material details, spatial decisions and design techniques that add personality and panache to interiors.
11:45 a.m. | What’s New with Who’s Next?
Pindler, Suite 615
Three rising design stars—Abigail Marcelo Horace, Melissa Lacy Welker and Sally Wilkinson—confess their deepest secrets for standing out in today’s crowded mediascape to Elle Decor market director Benjamin Reynaert. Tap into the next wave of talent at this playful and prophetic talk.
11:45 a.m. | The Well-Styled Life: Where Fashion Meets Design
The Gallery at 200 Lex, Suite 1000
What is fashion but interior design that you wear? Well, perhaps the parallels aren’t quite that direct, but the two creative fields certainly intersect. In conversation with modern-day style icon Tori Mellott, Tuckernuck founder Jocelyn Gailliot, interior designer CeCe Barfield Thompson and Society Social founder Roxy Owens describe how they manifest not only a chic home but a complete lifestyle that embodies beauty and joy.
12:00 p.m. | Never Basic: Elevating Everyday Design
Kravet, Suite 210
Celebrated designers Shawn Henderson, Jean Liu, Leah Ring and Melanie Turner know one thing for sure: Basic is boring. In conversation with Alexa Hampton, this cutting-edge quartet describes ways to push beyond the status quo by using color, pattern and calculated bravado to conjure up out-of-the-ordinary spaces.
12:15 p.m. | Power, Legacy and the Art of Staying on Top: Secrets of Building a Firm That Lasts
Vaughan, Suite 607
The key to longevity in the design business? It just might be the capacity to change. Speaking with Margie Lavender of Kligerman Architecture & Design, Melissa Reavis and Stephen Eich of Hollander, Elizabeth Graziolo of Yellow House Architects, and Elizabeth Lawrence of Williams Lawrence, Design Leadership Network director of editorial and community engagement Hadley Keller investigates how established firms ensure their staying power while strategically evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities of the moment.
12:15 p.m. | The Hudson Company Presents: A Conversation with Hendricks Churchill and Studio DB
The Hudson Company, Suite 1601
In this talk led by Hudson Moore, longtime friends of The Hudson Company Damian and Britt Zunino of Studio DB and Heide Hendricks and Rafe Churchill of Hendricks Churchill address the nuances of designing for city and country, as well as translating studio work to illustrated books.
12:30 p.m. | Materiality Matters: Celebrating the Impact of Brutalism’s Raw Beauty
Baker, Suite 300
Connecting fashion and furniture in a fresh and surprising way, Galerie managing editor Jill Sieracki and Atlanta designer Susan Ferrier spotlight the influence of brutalist jewelry on Ferrier’s latest collection for Baker, discussing the process, inspiration and vision behind the striking pieces.
12:45 p.m. | Finding Inspiration Through Travel and Community: A Discussion with the Decorators Club
Jennifer Manners Modern Carpets, Suite 911
The creative process is sometimes a solitary one, but designers can find so much support in community. Doreen Chambers, Young Huh, Tatyana Miron Ahlers, Elizabeth Pash and Alison Rose celebrate the power of collaboration in this talk moderated by Decorators Club board president Kiki Dennis.
12:45 p.m. | Opportunity in Hospitality: Mastering Contract Projects
Julian Chichester, Suite 604
With travel booming, hotels have become coveted “third spaces”—meaning the demand for design talent is surging too. Curious about breaking into the hospitality sector? Sarah Spiteri, global brand director and group editor in chief of Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, and Ideal Home, hosts this in-depth discussion with Julian Chichester CEO Jodie Hopkins; principals Christie Ward and Staver Gray of Ward + Gray; and Poonam Khanna, founder of Unionworks. Together, they’ll unpack what it takes to deliver in this promising field.
1:00 p.m. | Classic Design Reinvented for Modern Living
Thibaut, Suite 809–811
Considering the prevalence of modernist trends, where does classicism fit in today? Veranda style and market director Rachael Burrow Rummel asks acclaimed designers Anthony Baratta, Sheila Bridges, Aimee Buccellato and Phillip Thomas how they honor the timeless principles and enduring elements of the past without being constrained by them.
1:15 p.m. | Rooms with a View
Munder-Skiles, Suite 436
Highlighting design elements that incorporate the horizon, creative consultant, interior stylist and Frederic contributing editor Carolyn Englefield queries interior designer Philip Gorrivan, architect David Mann and landscape architect Stephen Eich about merging interior and exterior spaces into a singular, spectacular vista.
1:30 p.m. | The Mix Masters of Timeless Interiors
Century Furniture, Suite 200
True style doesn’t adhere to a single era: Sophistication is found in the mix. To learn how to create chic, timeless spaces by pairing past and present, Connecticut Cottages & Gardens editor in chief DJ Carey turns to designers Patrick Mele, Tara Shaw, and Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller.
1:45 p.m. | The Nature of Morris: A Celebration of William Morris’s Timeless Values for the Modern World
House of Hackney, Suite 909
Discover the thoroughly modern man behind the iconic designs. To mark a fresh interpretation of Morris’s legendary patterns, House of Hackney co-founder Frieda Gormley and Obsolete founder Ray Azoulay speak with The World of Interiors visuals editor Ivan Shaw about the Arts and Crafts paragon and provocateur, who embraced radical concepts of craft, resistance and sustainability that are more relevant today than ever.
1:45 p.m. | Designing the Invisible: Seamless Tech in the Modern Home
Crestron Electronics, Suite 302
The modern smart home is all about integrated systems that work so efficiently you almost forget they’re there. Crestron’s JoAnn Arcenal moderates a discussion with Dave Raines of Osbee and Matthew Tirschwell of Tirschwell Lighting Design about how AI, automation and intuitive interfaces can enhance daily life without disrupting aesthetics.
2:00 p.m. | The Emotional Connection: An Intimate Conversation on Home
Verellen, Suite 801
What does it mean to feel truly at home? And how can interiors help us live more authentically? Luxe Interiors + Design editor in chief Jill Cohen questions four renowned creators—Brooke Giannetti, Bobby McAlpine, and Tom and Sabine Verellen—about how they first define, then foster, a meaningful space that both reflects and emotionally supports their clients’ personalities.
2:15 p.m. | Designing Through Disruptions: How Designers Can React to Tariffs, Inflation and Rising Construction Costs
Global Views / Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams / Surya, Suite 612
The Business of Home Podcast host Dennis Scully and BOH executive editor Fred Nicolaus are bringing The Thursday Show to WNWN. Getting real with designers Alexa Hampton and Nick Olsen, plus industry attorney Seth Kaplowitz, the garrulous pod pair breaks down how current economic trends are impacting the sector, vendors and—most important—your business, to better prepare it to face the challenges.
2:15 p.m. | From Ethics to Aesthetics: Designing a Better World—Creating Impact Through B Corp Values
JD Staron, Suite 508
Design is a source of beauty, but it can also be a force for good. Join Gosia and Jakub Staron, Kerrie McDevitt of Impact Growth Partners and Candon Murphy of HOK for an interactive dialogue about turning your business into a B Corporation. Explaining such pillars of certification as social impact and environmental performance, they’ll offer an inspiring look at creating with purpose.
2:30 p.m. | Where Fashion Meets the Room: Designing with Style, Substance and Story
David Sutherland, Suite 117
Acclaimed for their dramatically chic interiors, Miles Redd and David Kaihoi of Redd Kaihoi are masters at adapting aspects of fashion into compelling design narratives. In conversation with Elle Decor head of editorial content Elisa Lipsky-Karasz, the visionary duo discuss how to reinterpret fashion cues as stylish decor statements that bring depth and dynamism to any space.
2:30 p.m. | The Making of a Masterpiece
Dennis Miller New York, Suite 1210
Follow the journey from concept to showpiece in this panel that peeks behind the curtains of the creative process. Guided by celebrated interior designer Phillip Thomas, furniture and lighting designers Neil Zuleta and Jake Oliveira share how their ideas take shape. Then, Quintus CEO Jobi Blachy reveals the steps that turn such visions into reality. If you live for craftsmanship and the thrill of a “wow” moment, you’ll want to arrive early to grab a front-row seat.
2:45 p.m. | Legend to Legend: Honoring Craft, Legacy and Innovation
Fair, Suite 1601
New York magazine design editor Wendy Goodman hosts this 10th anniversary fete for Fair, toasting its first decade and looking forward to the future of one of the industry’s most influential voices.
2:45 p.m. | Artistry at Home: Ralph Lauren’s Canyon Road Collection
Ralph Lauren Home, Suite 700
Applaud this fall’s Canyon Road collection and explore Ralph Lauren Home’s first artist-in-residence collaboration with such industry notables as Design Leadership Network CEO Michael Diaz-Griffith and Galerie editor in chief Jacqueline Terrebone.
3:00 p.m. | Stephen Sills: A Life in Design
Schumacher, Suite 1516
Frederic editor in chief and Schumacher creative director Dara Caponigro sits down with legendary decorator Stephen Sills to discuss his extraordinary career designing everything from elegant city apartments to stately country homes. Following the presentation, they’ll sign copies of their books Glorious Gardens and Stephen Sills: A Vision for Design.
3:00 p.m. | Design Above the Table: How Floral Design Informs Interiors
The Bright Group, Suite 902
Delve into the transformative power of flowers—not as mere accessories to furniture, lighting and finishes, but as equally dynamic design elements that can completely alter the ambiance of a space. In this inspiring discussion, Connecticut Cottages & Gardens editorial director DJ Carey, designer Luis Enrique Hill and master florist Samantha Toft from Winston Flowers demonstrate how botanical artistry elevates interiors.
3:15 p.m. | New and Next Home Design Trends
Lexington Home Brands, Suite 212
Accompanied by a who’s who of sharp-eyed designers—Arianne Bellizaire, Kelly Collier-Clark, Alexandra Kaehler, Taylor Mattos and Brynn Olson Golden—Apartment Therapy Media founder Maxwell Ryan takes a cross-country snapshot of emerging trends. From multipurpose spaces to smart tech and integrated wellness, the panel will pinpoint the style directions shaping the present day and predict innovations that are just around the proverbial bend.
3:15 p.m. | The World at Home: Designing for the Global Citizen
Lepere, Suite 1207
Cosmopolitan clients move seamlessly between worlds—and they want their homes to reflect their global aesthetic. Designers Elizabeth Graziolo, Sarah Magness and Kelly Zerbini share their insights for creating spaces that interweave cultural influences, embrace architectural traditions, adapt to diverse climates and honor local lifestyles, resulting in residences that feel both rooted and worldly.
3:30 p.m. | Passport to Inspiration: A Conversation on Travel and Design
Brown Jordan, Suite 301
Pack your bags, because great design is just waiting to be discovered. In this far-reaching discussion, Business of Home editor in chief Kaitlin Petersen and Leaders of Design members Kristen Rivoli, John Cialone of Tom Stringer Design Partners, Victoria Sass of Prospect Refuge Studio and Greg Tankersley of McAlpine consider how travel fuels creativity, shifts perspectives and shapes the way we style spaces.
3:45 p.m. | Creativity Across Disciplines: A Conversation on Design, Inspiration and Innovation
Arteriors, Suite 202
There’s an art to thinking outside the box: Just ask Sophie Donelson, who has rounded up an eclectic cohort of true industry originals—Susannah Charbin, Robert Rufino and Tanu Vasu—for a vigorous exploration of the myriad ways creativity infuses their work. From groundbreaking collaborations to globe-spanning journeys, each panelist shares their unique perspective and personal stories about how ideas take shape and influence different disciplines.
4:00 p.m. | Frederic’s New It Listers 2025
Made Goods, Suite 1600
Frederic design and decoration director Eugenia Santiesteban Soto celebrates the je ne sais quoi that has put designers Rebecca Amir, Lindsay Falconer and Michael Zipp on the magazine’s annual It List, probing where they find their inspo, whom they consider their mentors, and how they bust out of their comfort zone.
4:00 p.m. | Beyond Signature Style
Jiun Ho New York, Suite 1208
Michael Boodro moderates a candid conversation among Penny Drue Baird, Jamie Drake and Jiun Ho that examines how these well-known talents maintain their design identity without being confined by it. After the trio share where they find fresh viewpoints and how they keep their output dynamic, relevant and authentic to their brands, Baird will sign copies of her new book, PowerHouse, in advance of its official publication.
4:15 p.m. | The Kips Bay Decorator Show House: Rooted in New York
Nasiri, Suite 711
For a half-century, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House has set the stage for stunning styles and astonishing ideas. Join Phebe Wahl, EVP of editorial at Modern Luxury Media, and acclaimed creatives Cathy Purple Cherry, James Dolenc, Nicole Ficano, Beth Diana Smith and Vicente Wolf as they ponder the enduring impact of this iconic New York fundraiser and share the stories behind their personal contributions to its legacy. It’s a rare insider’s look at one of the industry’s most esteemed events.
4:30 p.m. | Across the Divide: What It Takes for Design Firms to Grow, Adapt and Thrive on Both Coasts
Amuneal, Suite 1314
Moderated by Lila Allen, this feisty panel includes an open-minded group of designers and makers—Holly Hayden Taylor, executive design director of Jeremiah Brent Interiors; Zoe Pinfold, senior associate at Meyer Davis; and David Rau, partner at Hart Howerton—who represent both East Coast and West Coast markets. Based on their daily experience navigating cultural, aesthetic and material dualities, they’ll advise how geography informs design decisions and detail the realities of maintaining a bicoastal business.
4:30 p.m. | The Art-Led Interior
Wexler Gallery, Suite 431
In collaboration with interior designer Kati Curtis and art advisor Jessica Arb Danial, Wexler Gallery presents an immersive exhibition exploring the fluid relationship between interiors and fine art. Challenging the conventional order of operations, in which art is chosen last, Arb Danial will curate a selection of works from the gallery’s roster of contemporary artists. In response, Curtis will style a domestic scheme around them, creating a richly layered setting that reveals how thoughtful design can be transformed by a collection.
4:30 p.m. | Book Talk: New Books by Alfredo Paredes, Young Huh and Ray Booth
John Pomp Studios, Suite 1201
Three of today’s most celebrated talents tout their stunning new tomes. In an intimate chat moderated by Salon Art + Design Show executive director Nicky Dessources, authors Alfredo Paredes, Young Huh and Ray Booth discuss the process of putting their signature design perspectives in print—and the thrill of being published!
5:15 p.m. | From Vision to Surface: Go Behind the Design
Astek, Suite 1116
Interior Design market director Rebecca Thienes moderates this insightful investigation into the creative partnerships and processes behind Astek’s latest product designs. Discover what inspires the brand’s bold, boundary-defying collections, as detailed by chief project officer Natasha Jones and designers Jill Malek and David Tracz.
This story is a paid promotion and was created in partnership with New York Design Center.
Homepage image: Middle Grey Studios for Business of Home