"It was EPIC man!" "Yeah, schweet! For sure." "The posse was glam, funky fresh and the jams were bombdiggity."
This year's "80's themed Summer Social" was def a big whoop thanks to Brian Gallop and his brill team: Rex Aguirre, Chris Armenta, Brent Blake, Barbara Haberman, Rose Hittmeyer, Charles Pavarini III, Toni Sabatino, Sandra Singh, Michelle Slovak, and John Tudisco. And the Summer Splash wouldn’t have been so fantabulous but for the wonderful support of event host Leslie Alvarado, Lutron’s Experience Center Supervisor and Event Sponsors Lutron and Hill Residential Systems. Thank you all big time.
This will be a stellar night to top. But hold on — the 2027 event is already in the works! Sandra Singh, nominated to be the next lead, is looking for some new people willing to help and, says Sandra, we’ll need ideas for a theme too. Sign on? Got ideas? Reach Sandra at ssinghnetmail@aol.com.
July is one of my favorite times of year in New York. During the week, Manhattan is buzzing with design conversations, showroom events, new product introductions, and opportunities to reconnect with colleagues throughout the A&D community. As the weekends arrive, many of us naturally find ourselves heading east, where the pace slows just enough to appreciate everything that makes summer on Long Island so special.
This season has already been filled with inspiring moments. East Hampton Art & Design Days brought together architects, designers, artists, and makers to celebrate creativity and craftsmanship, while Guild Hall’s East Hampton Design Day continued to showcase why the Hamptons remain such an influential destination for art and design.
For me, however, the best moments have happened away from the schedule. Watching the fireworks over Westhampton. Spending an evening with friends in Sag Harbor. Taking in the beautiful sunsets that only seem to exist on the East End. These are the experiences that remind me why I love living here.
As designers, we spend so much of our time creating beautiful spaces for others. Yet the spaces we remember most aren’t always defined by the cabinetry, lighting, or finishes. They’re defined by the people gathered around them. Whether it’s a rooftop in Manhattan, a backyard in Westhampton, or an evening with friends catching Cagney: The Musical at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, the common thread is always the same.
Every memorable gathering seems to begin or end with a wonderful meal, meaningful conversation, and time shared with family and friends. Perhaps that’s why kitchens continue to be my favorite room to design. They aren’t simply places where meals are prepared. They’re where stories are told, celebrations happen, friendships deepen, and memories are made.
As we head through the remainder of July and into August, I hope you find time to enjoy everything summer has to offer, whether that’s attending an inspiring industry event, discovering a new restaurant, relaxing by the water, or simply gathering around the table with the people who matter most.
Wishing you a wonderful rest of the summer, and I look forward to seeing many of you soon—in Manhattan, the Hamptons, or somewhere in between.
Warmly,
Jeannine Price
Photo above: The Beach House at the newly opened Cupsogue Beach, Westhampton Beach, New York.
What's your favorite vacation spot?
Please submita few photos and description for a future newsletter feature.
ANN W. COHEN, Inspired By Creativity
Ann Cohen
Ann W. Cohen Interiors
By NKBA Manhattan Staff
For Ann W. Cohen, a career in interior design began with a childhood fascination for color and craftsmanship. Growing up in Long Branch, New Jersey, she knew by the age of 11 that she wanted to become an interior designer. Much of that inspiration came from watching her grandfather, a contract painter who also built furniture for family members. His creativity left a lasting impression and sparked Ann's own passion for design.
While her parents didn't influence her career path directly, they did shape the way she approaches her work today. That guidance, paired with an early appreciation for craftsmanship, laid the foundation for a career centered on thoughtful design.
Learning the Business
Ann's first job after school was at Tressard, a custom wallpaper and fabric showroom in New York City's D&D Building. Surrounded by color every day, she worked alongside designers selecting wallpapers and fabrics for residential projects. It reinforced something she had believed since childhood: color is one of the most important elements in successful design.
A pivotal chapter came when she managed the kitchen showroom at Smolka in New York while continuing to run her own design projects. The experience gave her a behind-the-scenes understanding of kitchen design, revealing the technical details and practical considerations that are easy to overlook but essential to a successful project.
The Work Today
Today, Ann leads her own interior design practice, Ann W. Cohen Interiors, specializing in residential interiors with a focus on kitchens and baths. She manages her projects from start to finish, allowing her to catch problems before they happen while saving her clients both time and money.
Whether she's designing a custom kitchen, renovating a bath, or creating a piece of custom furniture, Ann enjoys guiding projects from concept through completion.
Lessons That Last
Throughout her career, Ann has been fortunate to learn from people willing to share their expertise. Her mother encouraged her to closely observe every trade on the job site, understanding not only what was being built, but how it should be built. That advice continues to influence the way she manages projects today.
"Design furniture from the inside out." — George, her contractor
She also credits an early furniture designer and contractor named George with teaching her how to design furniture "from the inside out." While working on a commercial reception desk, he walked her through the measurements and construction details required to create perfectly fitted drawers. It was a lesson she carried forward into countless custom furniture pieces.
Community and Connection
Ann joined NKBA in 2005 while developing and managing the kitchen showroom at Smolka. She credits the organization with broadening her knowledge of kitchen and bath design through its educational programs while introducing her to a network of designers who helped shape her career. Looking back, she sees those classes and relationships as an important part of her professional growth.
Beyond Design
Outside of work, Ann's greatest joy is spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoys bike riding, visiting museums and art galleries, painting in oils, and keeping active at the gym. A devoted basketball fan, she's just as happy watching a game as she is exploring a new exhibition.
One thing many colleagues may not know is that Ann also has a background in jewelry design. While married to a jeweler, she designed custom pieces for private clients, an experience that further sharpened her eye for scale, proportion, texture, and detail.
Looking Ahead
Ann continues to look for ways to make homes work smarter, particularly in New York City's compact apartments. She believes thoughtful built-in storage and organization can transform kitchens and baths into calmer, more functional spaces.
When asked what advice she'd offer those entering the profession, Ann's answer is simple: "Transparency, honesty, and trust are foundational core values." She believes open communication and collaboration with clients, contractors, and craftspeople create an environment where creativity can truly thrive.
The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen is housed in a stunning historic building and offers many opportunities for continuing education through their online and in-person lecture series. And, if you or someone you know is in or considering a path in one of the trades, be sure to click on the notice below.
NOT AN NKBA MEMBER YET? HERE'S ANOTHER REASON
Reach out toSandra Singh for membership information.
Hastings Bath Collection, the premier importer and distributor of curated European bath furniture and fittings and the exclusive US and Canadian importer of the iconic VOLA brand, proudly announces Volume 2 of its LookBook, available in print and digital editions. Building on the success of the original, Volume 2 raises the bar with a richer, deeper dive into contemporary Italian design and the full breadth of Hastings’ luxury bath offerings. More than a catalog, it’s a visual experience designed to inspire showroom professionals, interior designers, specifiers, and homeowners who refuse to settle for the ordinary. Volume 2 continues Hastings’ story; from its 1885 origins to its current leadership in contemporary bath design while introducing new products, expanded finishes, and fresh editorial content organized by product type. QR codes provide instant access to specifications and details on Hastings’ website, bridging print and digital seamlessly. The LookBook is an essential resource for anyone who believes the bathroom deserves as much attention as any other space in the home.
The Culinary Anchor of the Modern Kitchen by Thermador
Designed for kitchens where proportion and performance carry equal weight, the Dual Fuel Professional 60” Pro Grand® Range brings a sense of scale and intention, defining the culinary zone with a quiet sense of authority and precision. For clients who love to cook and entertain, the kitchen often serves as the true heart of the home. Thoughtfully engineered temperature control supports everything from delicate sauces to leisurely dinner parties, allowing meals to unfold with confidence and ease.
Powerful cooking performance accommodates moments that demand intensity, whether achieving a restaurant-quality sear or preparing multiple courses for a gathering. The generously-sized oven is designed to handle large-format cookware and professional catering trays, making it well-suited to homes where entertaining is a regular part of life.
Balancing culinary capability with considered design, the range brings together scale, craftsmanship, and intuitive functionality, creating a focal point that feels equally at home in a family kitchen or a sophisticated entertaining space.
Inspired by clean, warm, and harmonious spaces, Porcelanosa’s new collections — Limestone Bone, Crema Marfil Marble, Aston, and Cambridge — embrace the beauty of natural materials and soft tones. Designed for both residential and commercial projects, these surfaces aim to bring light, balance, and a sense of calm to any environment. Manufactured in high-quality porcelain, they offer exceptional resistance, durability, and easy maintenance, making them a versatile solution for high-traffic spaces without compromising on an elegant and timeless aesthetic.
The mission of the NKBA is to inspire, lead, and empower the kitchen and bath industry through the creation of certifications, marketplaces, and networks.
