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ASSOCIATION
HIGHLIGHTS & NEWS
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IFDA New England Recap: A Spooktacular Halloween Wig Party!
On October 30th, the IFDA New England community gathered at the beautiful Republic’s Collection showroom in Weymouth for an unforgettable night of festive fun, fabulous wigs, and industry camaraderie. Our Halloween Wig Partywas a spirited celebration filled with creativity, connection, and just the right amount of spooky charm!
Guests arrived donning their most imaginative wigs—from vibrant rainbow styles to eerie Halloween creations—setting the tone for an evening that was both stylish and delightfully whimsical. The lively atmosphere was complemented by ghoulish treats, “magical” potions, and the warm hospitality of the Republic’s Collection team.
Throughout the night, members, non-members, and students mingled, networked, and danced among the stunning showroom displays. It was a fantastic opportunity for seasoned professionals and emerging designers alike to connect and celebrate the vibrant design community that defines IFDA New England.
A special thank you to our event partner, Native Trails, for helping make the evening such a success. And of course, thank you to everyone who joined us, dressed up, and brought such incredible energy to the event!
We’re already looking forward to our next gathering—and we hope to see you there!
| | NEW: IFDA digital Magazine! | | |
✨ Introducing Reflections in Design: IFDA’s New Online Magazine ✨
We are thrilled to announce the launch of Reflections in Design, IFDA’s brand-new online magazine!
Created to inspire, inform, and connect, Reflections in Design celebrates the voices, visions, and innovations shaping the future of design. Each issue will feature:
- Insightful articles from design leaders and emerging talents
- Spotlight stories on members’ projects and accomplishments
- Trends, resources, and inspiration from across the globe
- Updates on IFDA initiatives and events
This exciting new publication is a platform for our international community to share ideas, exchange perspectives, and reflect on the transformative power of design.
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Event Recap: An Inspiring Evening of Global Design Insights with Patti Carpenter
On November 20, 2025, the IFDA New York Chapter welcomed members and guests to an enriching evening at the stunning LIXIL Water Experience Center in Manhattan. The event brought together design professionals, industry leaders, and emerging creatives for an exclusive presentation of global trend insights direct from Paris.
Our distinguished speaker, Patti Carpenter, M&O Global Trend Ambassador and renowned trend forecaster, captivated the room with her comprehensive Maison & Objet report. Patti highlighted emerging themes shaping the international design landscape—color movements, material innovations, cultural influences, and the evolving balance between craftsmanship and technology. Her firsthand perspectives offered attendees a unique lens into how global trends will inform the year ahead in interiors, product design, and lifestyle markets.
Guests enjoyed an evening of lively discussion, networking, and exploration within the LIXIL showroom, whose immersive setting perfectly complemented the forward-looking theme of the night. Wine and light bites, provided in partnership with Vin Sur Vingt and Le French Wine Shop, added a warm touch to a sophisticated and insightful program.
A heartfelt thank-you to Patti Carpenter for sharing her expertise, and to our partners at the LIXIL Water Experience Center for hosting us in such a beautiful space. We also extend our gratitude to everyone who joined us and contributed to the vibrant conversations that make the IFDA New York Chapter such a dynamic community.
We look forward to seeing you at our next event!
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IFDA Philadelphia Chapter Hosts Immersive Design Experience at Inspired Closets
The IFDA Philadelphia Chapter recently gathered for an inspiring and interactive event hosted by Inspired Closets, offering members a firsthand look at the latest innovations in custom closet and home-organization design. The event blended education, technology, and connection—creating an unforgettable afternoon for all who attended.
Members were welcomed into the beautifully appointed Inspired Closets showroom, where curated vignettes showcased thoughtful storage solutions, high-end finishes, and bespoke cabinetry options. Guests were able to explore the space at their own pace, discovering new ideas for client projects and gaining insight into the company’s design process.
A highlight of the event was a virtual reality demonstration, giving attendees the opportunity to step inside full-scale digital closet designs. Using VR headsets, designers experienced how clients can visualize their future spaces before a single cabinet is built—an invaluable tool that sparked lively discussion and excitement.
Alongside the immersive demonstrations, members enjoyed time to network, reconnect, and meet new faces within the design community. The showroom served as a stunning backdrop, with beautiful floral arrangements, light-filled rooms, and warm hospitality contributing to a vibrant atmosphere.
The Philadelphia Chapter extends its gratitude to the Inspired Closets team for hosting such an engaging and forward-thinking event. Their commitment to craftsmanship, design innovation, and client experience resonated deeply with all who attended.
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IFDA Philadelphia Celebrates FriendsGiving at Gerhard’s
The IFDA Philadelphia Chapter gathered on November 20th for a warm and lively FriendsGiving celebration hosted by Gerhard’s Appliances in King of Prussia. Members from across the design community—including ASID, IDS, AAPI, NKBA, and PWB—came together for an evening of connection and seasonal cheer.
Guests enjoyed live music by *Smoke & Mirrors* and a festive menu featuring favorites like the Happy Harvest Bowl, Pumpkin Patch Soup, Sweet Harmony yams, and an autumn trio of mini pies.
In the spirit of giving, attendees also donated non-perishable food items to support local food pantries.
A heartfelt thank-you to Gerhard’s for hosting and to all who joined us. We look forward to more wonderful events ahead with our Philadelphia design community!
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IFDA Richmond Hosts Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color of the Year Preview
The IFDA Richmond Chapter recently welcomed members and guests for an exclusive look at the Sherwin-Williams 2026 Color of the Year, hosted at the Ethan Allen Design Center in Richmond, VA. Attendees enjoyed an engaging presentation from Sherwin-Williams representatives, who unveiled the upcoming Color of the Year and provided a helpful Paint 101 refresher tailored to design professionals.
This lunchtime program offered valuable insight into emerging color trends, application tips, and the inspiration behind the 2026 palette—giving designers fresh tools to bring innovative color stories to their projects.
We extend our thanks to Sherwin-Williams and the Ethan Allen Design Center for their partnership and hospitality, and to all who joined us for this informative and inspiring event.
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Funding Our Future: Support Scholarships, Grants & the Next Generation of Design
The IFDA Educational Foundation proudly announces the launch of our annual Funding Our Future campaign, running November 3 – December 19. This initiative directly supports the scholarships, grants, research, and professional development programs that empower emerging talent and strengthen our design community.
This year, members can turn their generosity into an exciting opportunity:
Every $10 donation qualifies you for one virtual ticket in a drawing for a 2026 IFDA Professional Membership (a $400 value!). It’s a win-win—your contribution fuels the future of design while giving you a chance to receive your membership for free.
All proceeds benefit the IFDA Educational Foundation, enabling us to continue investing in students, educators, and professionals who are shaping the future of the furnishings and design industries.
We invite all IFDA Professional members to participate, give back, and help us continue this important work.
Together, we can make a lasting impact on the next generation of design leaders.
Follow the campaign, share it within your chapters, and help us spread the word!
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INDUSTRY PARTNER:
Are you interested in Partnering with us? We love building relationships with our Partners. Not sure about options? Reach out to us and we would be happy to review your options!
| | NEW IN 2026-Webinar Wednesdays! | | |
We’re excited to announce the launch of IFDA’s new monthly webinar series, created to bring members valuable industry insights, product knowledge, and expert-led education throughout the year. Each month, we’ll spotlight a different partner or specialty topic designed to support your work and inspire your projects.
Upcoming Webinars
- January 28 – BlueStar Appliances
- Registration is now live—click below to save your spot!
- February – Shifman Mattress
- (More details coming soon)
- March – Village Handcrafted Cabinetry
- (More details coming soon)
- April 22 – Country Casual Teak
- (More details coming soon)
We look forward to offering a dynamic lineup of learning opportunities throughout the year. Stay tuned as we share additional information on each upcoming session.
Click below to register for our January 28 webinar with BlueStar Appliances!
| | Do you have a Webinar you would like to present? Reach out to info@ifda.com | | | | |
Richmond
Student
Christy Fulcher
University of Richmond
Mechanicsville, VA
Student
Cheryl Peters
University of Richmond
Richmond, VA
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Maison & Objet:
Paris, France (Jan 15–19)
IMM Cologne:
Cologne, Germany (Jan 20–23)
Interior Design Show (IDS):
Toronto, Canada (Jan 22–25)
Stockholm Furniture Fair:
Stockholm, Sweden (Feb 3–7)
Surface Design Show:
London, UK (Feb 4–6)
Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS): Orlando, FL (Feb 17-19)
Coverings:
Las Vegas, NV (Mar 30–Apr 2)
Salone del Mobile.Milano:
Milan, Italy (Apr 21–26)
High Point Market:
High Point, USA (Apr 25–29 & Oct 17–21)
HD Expo + Conference: Las Vegas, USA (May 5–7)
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ARE YOU GOING TO HIGH POINT MARKET
SPRING 2026??
We are busy working on our events for high point and want to know if you want to be added to our email list. Dinners, tours, coffee chats and happy hours! Click the link below to stay in the know of what we are planning!
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Editor and Publisher: Katy Retzbach, International President
Have an award winning design you want us to feature?
Send it over to Info@ifda.com
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