Inside Norway Now, a roundtable discussion focusing on Norwegian interior design was held at the Design Museum of Chicago on Sept. 26. Pictured from left: Hedi Olufsen, Norwegian Consul General; Amy Rosi, Inside Norway; Pal Eid-Hviding, Fora Form; Jean Lee, Furnishings Utopia - Public Acess; and Kristoffer Vestre, CEO Vestre US. Not pictured: moderator Jennifer Quail, deputy editor, aspire design and home
The Art Of Brand Extensions: Strategic Insights To Help Designers Expand Their Businesses
From right: Jill Waage, Editor-In-Chief, Traditional Home; Mick De Giulio, Founder & Principal, De Giulio Collection, Kim Scodro, Principal, Kim Scodro Interiors. Introduced by Eric Chang, Creative Director, Hellman Chang
Hosted by: DFA and Traditional Home
The panel discussed the variety of innovative brand extensions to help build their businesses. From forging licensing deals with strategic partners to creating unique content across social platforms, they shared how they've worked to create a unique identity, diversify revenue streams, and grow overall awareness for their businesses.
Show Off Your Work: Photographing Your Projects
Craig Dugan, Owner, Craig Dugan Photography | Patrick McGuire, Principal, McGuire Architectural Interiors
Designer Patrick McGuire, principal of McGuire Architectural Interiors, and photographer Craig Dugan, owner of Craig Dugan Photography, shared their process of successfully photographing your projects. Patrick and Craig spoke about choosing which projects to photograph, dos and don’ts, preparing yourself for the shoot, and preparing your client.
2024 Global Color & Design Trends
Rebecca Boyd, National Color & Design Manager, PPG
Hosted by Carlisle Wide Plank Floors
The 2024 Global Color Forecast exposes the most significant color and design directions for the coming year, including discussions of influencers, consumer mood, styling, materials, textures, finishes, and surface treatments as they apply to various commercial and residential market segments. According to Rebecca Boyd, the driver of PPG's 2024 trend forecast is LIMITLESS - representing the connection between consumer and cultural insights and the subsequent design directives that transpire as a result of our changing times.
Dedicated Theater Design
Ken Walker, Owner/ Founder, Artisan Electronics Group
Hosted by Artisan Electronics Group
Participants in this course learned the distinct definition of what a home theater is—and what it isn’t! Discussions also included basic acoustical physics, common mistakes in designing theaters, as well as specific design considerations related to video, lighting, electrical, safety, and comfort.
Radical Shifts: A Changing Design World
Pamela S. McNally, Senior Vice President, Marketing + Digital, NKBA
Pamela McNally discussed the significant movements impacting home design now and in the future, driven by generational differences, technology, wellness, and the evolution of luxury.
Specifying Hardware - It Takes A Team
From left: Michael Risser, President, North America at Frank Allart; Laura O’Brien, Founding Principal, O’Brien Harris; Michael Graham, Principal, Liederbach & Graham Architects; Susan Schmidt, Vice President, Katonah Architectural Hardware, Lighting and Furniture
The panel discussed selecting and specifying hardware from the perspectives of an architect, a designer, a hardware specialist, and a foundry associate.
Hosted by: Katonah Architectural Hardware • Lighting • Furniture
Finding Synchronicity: The Art of Product Design and Finishes
From left: Knikki Kennedy Grantham, Creative Director, Keeler Brass Company; Richard Anuszkiewicz, Creative Director, Monogram Appliances; Alexander Dornbracht, Managing Director, Kallista; Julie Burns, Executive Director, Monogram
Monogram Design Center
The panel took a deep dive into the world of product creation and market forecasting. Attendees were able to hear firsthand how big brands bring new concepts to life and the story behind today’s most notable finishes.
Designing For Luxury Rental Properties
From left: Deb Martin, Editor-in-Chief, Design Chicago; Eric Chang, Creative Director, Hellman Chang; and Summer Thornton, Principal & Interior Designer, Summer Thornton Design
aspire design and home and David Sutherland Showroom hosted interior designers alongside Hellman Chang founder Eric Chang and Summer Thornton Design principal Summer Thornton to discuss designing luxury rental properties.
Hosted by: aspire design and home
Designing Custom Lighting
Justin Binnx, President, Niermann Weeks
Justin Binnix (president of Niermann Weeks) discussed the process of designing and manufacturing custom lighting. Attendees learned about the elements that should be contemplated when considering custom lighting for a project, such as sizing based on room, scale and proportion, hanging heights, materials, and finishes.
Hosted by: Michael - Cleary










CHICAGO - Design Chicago, the largest residential design conference in the Midwest, was held September 27-28 at the Merchandise Mart. The two-day event for the kitchen, bath, interior, and home furnishings featured presentations, CEUs, product features, and open houses.
With its curated showrooms, engaging seminars, open houses, and networking opportunities, Design Chicago has become a must-attend event for those seeking inspiration and knowledge in the design world. Attendees had the opportunity to explore spaces showcasing the latest furniture, lighting, textiles, and accessories trends.
Featured designers included Nate Berkus, Barbara Barry, Dannie Lemons, and more.

Michaelle Bradford, CCI Media, is Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine and Woodworking Network editor. She has more than 20 years of experience covering the woodworking and design industry, including visits to custom cabinet shops, closet firms and design studios throughout North America. As Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine under the Woodworking Network brand, Michaelle’s responsibilities include writing, editing, and coordinating editorial content as well as managing annual design competitions like the Top Shelf Design Awards. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media.
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