Open Arms, Open Doors: Crystorama Receives the 2026 DAA Open Arms Award
An honor from the High Point Market Diversity Advocacy Alliance — and a celebration of the people who make our showroom feel like home.
Some recognition is about a product. This one is about people.
At Fall High Point Market, the Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) presented Crystorama with the 2026 Open Arms Award — an honor given to the exhibitor that sets the standard for inclusivity and warm hospitality at Market. We’re proud, a little emotional, and above all grateful to every designer, buyer, and friend who has walked through our doors.
What the Open Arms Award stands for
The DAA was established in 2022 in partnership with the High Point Market Authority to expand representation of the BIPOC community and build equitable pathways across the home furnishings industry. Through education, mentorship, networking, and recognition, it amplifies voices that haven’t always had the microphone — and it’s just getting started.
The DAA recently announced its transition to an independent nonprofit, taking its mission beyond Market week and onto a national stage. That means year-round programming and new national partnerships, so the work of building a more welcoming industry can reach designers wherever they are. We couldn’t be more excited to cheer on this next chapter.
Now in their third year, the DAA Awards honor the people and companies doing that work every day. The Open Arms Award recognizes a showroom that welcomes every visitor, regardless of race, gender, or orientation — and carries that same spirit into how it hires, how it markets, and how it builds relationships across the industry.
“Crystorama understands that a welcoming industry begins with the opportunities we create for one another. From the hospitality of its showroom to the visibility its Tastemaker program provides designers from diverse backgrounds, Crystorama makes inclusion tangible.”
Inside the night: the 2026 DAA Awards
On Sunday, October 18, the High Point design community packed The Spinning Room at Congdon Yards — exposed brick, tall windows, warm wood floors — for the DAA Awards mixer and presentation. Interior designer and television personality Michel Smith Boyd emceed the evening, keeping the room laughing, cheering, and on its feet from the first welcome to the final toast.
And what a room it was. Designers, showroom teams, makers, and longtime friends of the DAA came together in a crowd as stylish as it was warm. Think standing ovations, raised fists, happy tears, and plenty of hugs between old friends and brand-new connections. It felt less like an awards ceremony and more like a family reunion for everyone who believes this industry is better together.
We were honored to share the stage with two extraordinary fellow recipients:
Mentorship Award: Nikki Watson. The professional home stager and HGTV personality was recognized for championing emerging designers from underrepresented backgrounds. Nikki is also a Crystorama Tastemaker, so celebrating alongside her made the night extra special for our team.
Social Responsibility Award: Ebony Staten. The interior designer and founder of The Vogue Room Foundation was honored for her work supporting minority college students as they build careers in design.
Where inclusion becomes tangible: our Tastemaker program
At the heart of this recognition is Crystorama’s Tastemaker program, which brings together designers with diverse backgrounds, experiences and creative perspectives. Through collaborative initiatives, industry panels, educational programming and storytelling, the program creates opportunities for designers to connect, share knowledge, expand their visibility and grow professionally.
“This award is especially meaningful because Crystorama has always been about people,” said Nancy Lonoff, Principal and Chief Product Designer at Crystorama. “Kristi Gulino created our Tastemaker program with a vision that went far beyond traditional brand partnerships. She wanted to build a genuine community where designers could feel supported, celebrated and connected. Through her thoughtful approach to selecting designers, nurturing relationships and developing meaningful opportunities, she has been the driving force behind the program’s growth.”
“Alexander Burns has been an incredible creative partner in bringing that vision to life,” Lonoff continued. “Kristi develops the strategy, builds the relationships and creates the opportunities, while Alex brings his artistic talent and visual storytelling to showcase the people and personalities behind our brand. Together, they have built something truly special, combining thoughtful relationship-building with creative expression to make our designers feel seen, valued and part of the Crystorama family.”
A welcome that starts at the door
Hospitality isn’t a policy you post on the wall. It’s the person who remembers your name from last April, the extra chair pulled up to the table, the question answered without a hint of hurry. This award belongs to our whole team — the showroom staff, sales reps, and behind-the-scenes crew who make every touchpoint feel like an invitation.
“Receiving the Open Arms Award is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the people and values behind Crystorama. We are incredibly proud of our entire team for the care, respect, and genuine hospitality they bring to every relationship, creating a community where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and connected.”, Brad Kleinberg & Nancy Lonoff, Crystorama
Thank you — and come say hello
To Benjamin Johnston, the DAA committee, and the High Point Market Authority: thank you for this honor, and for the work you do all year to make this industry bigger-hearted. To our Tastemaker community: thank you for sharing your talent, your stories, and your trust with us. You’re the heart of this recognition, and so much of what we’ve built together started with you saying yes. And to our designers, partners, and guests: you are the reason our doors stay open.
And they will. Find us at Market in IHFC H241 in High Point, or anytime at our Dallas showroom, TM 3503. Pull up a chair — there’s always room for one more.
Together, we can continue opening doors and creating an industry where everyone belongs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the DAA Open Arms Award?
The Open Arms Award is presented each fall by the High Point Market Diversity Advocacy Alliance to an exhibitor that sets the standard for inclusivity and warm hospitality, welcoming every showroom visitor regardless of race, gender, or orientation. It also considers a company’s commitment to diversity through employment, marketing, and industry relationships.
Who won the 2026 Open Arms Award?
Crystorama, the family-owned decorative lighting and mirror company, received the 2026 Open Arms Award at Fall High Point Market in October 2026.
What is the Diversity Advocacy Alliance?
The Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) was founded in 2022 in partnership with the High Point Market Authority to advance diversity, expand BIPOC representation, and create equitable opportunities in the home furnishings industry through education, mentorship, networking, and recognition. It recently announced its transition to an independent nonprofit, expanding its mission through year-round programming and national partnerships.
What is the Crystorama Tastemaker program?
The Crystorama Tastemaker program brings together interior designers with diverse backgrounds and creative perspectives. Through collaborations, industry panels, educational programming, and storytelling, it helps designers connect, share knowledge, grow their visibility, and advance professionally.
Where is Crystorama’s showroom at High Point Market?
Crystorama’s High Point Market showroom is located at IHFC H241 in the International Home Furnishings Center in High Point, North Carolina. The brand also has a permanent showroom at Dallas Market Center, TM 3503.
