Always a highlight, the 2014 gala design awards reception will take place April 9 at the Hotel Somerset-Bridgewater, located in Somerset, NJ, during the 2014 Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo.

Attendees can expect a fun evening filled with food and drink and a presentation of award-winning design projects from the 2013 Design Portfolio, 2014 Top Shelf Design, 2014 BEST Kitchen Design award winners, as well as Wood Product’s WOOD 100 and Market Leaders.

Design Portfolio winners were announced in December in the 2013 Custom Woodworking Business Best of the Best Design Portfolio digital edition, available for purchase at magcloud.com/user/billesler.

Top Shelf award winners will be announced in 12 catorgies for the first time during the gala reception. Categories include: Garage: under 600 square feet and Garage: over 600 square feet; Home Office: less than 150 square feet and Home Office: more than 150 square feet; Closet: Laminate less than 18 linear feet and Laminate more than 18 linear feet; Closet: Wood less than 18 linear feet and Wood more than 18 linear feet; Closet: Wire less than 18 linear feet and Wire more than 18 linear feet; Closet: Reach in; and Specialty: (craft, pantry, wine, laundry, mudroom).

Closets magazine also has named judges for the 8th annual Top Shelf Design Awards. Returning judges are Denise Butchko, Butchko & Co., Chicago, IL; Angelia York, St. Louis Co., Maplewood, MO; and Joyce Hardison, Closet Crafters, Ventura, CA.

Joining the distinguished panel for the first time are designers Lisa Adams, LA Closet Design, Los Angeles, CA, and Melanie Charlton, Clos-ette, New York City.

Top Shelf and Design Portfolio awards are given to honor designers for their creative organization solutions and woodworkers for their oustanding design, craftsmanship and execution. Each category is intended to highlight functionality and originality, as well as design. Winners will receive an award plaque, recognition at the Cabinets & Closets Conference & Expo, and publication of their projects on all of Woodworking Network’s media platforms. Register for the gala reception at cabinetsandclosetsexpo.com.