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Design on a Dime Coming to a New Manhattan Venue with an Updated Program

The beloved shopping event to benefit Housing Works takes place May 5 with vignettes of furniture, art, and objects, curated by Steven Gambrel, Redd Kaihoi, Alexa Hampton, and more

By Jill Sieracki
Modern living room with art on walls, brown chairs, floral arrangements on tables, and mixed decor elements.
Vignette by Richard Mishaan at Design on a Dime 2025.

Nothing animates a design enthusiast quite like a good shopping story—a treasured find at a bargain price, sourced from an unexpected locale. It is perhaps the greatest conversation starter and surely one that’ll be in heavy rotation on May 5 when Design on a Dime takes place at a new venue on West 26th Street in Manhattan. This annual happening brings out the boldest names from the New York design community to shop the colorful, layered vignettes of home goods, which are sold to benefit Housing Works, a longstanding organization that supports initiatives and advocacy around the AIDS epidemic.

Colorful eclectic living room with vibrant walls, abstract art, varied seating, and decorative accents on shelves.
Vignette by Danielle Colding at Design on a Dime 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Design on a Dime

“I worked at firms where AIDS was rearing its head as a true epidemic, and many of my colleagues were becoming ill and leaving work,” recalls designer Joy Moyler, a co-chair of this year’s Design on a Dime event. “The fight continues, and the need for advocacy, health care, and housing continues, and Housing Works is doing that full force.”

Historically, designers organize curated vignettes of donated furniture, art, and decorative objets, all of which are available for purchase at steep discounts with the money going to Housing Works. The charitable organization uses the funds raised to create housing, support research and advocacy, and offer lifesaving medical care, food, mental health services, and other wellness programs for those affected by AIDS. In the past, Design on a Dime ran over three days at New York’s Metropolitan Pavilion; however, this year’s event will take place on one night only and in a new location at Storied, on West 26th Street.

Modern living room with red walls, white sofa, abstract art, and stylish decor elements.
Vignette by David Kleinberg Design Associates at Design on a Dime 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Design on a Dime

“Great design saves lives,” says Moyler, recalling past Design on a Dime discoveries, from Moroccan rugs to Saladino pieces and Ted Muehling candelabras. “To be able to raise money because someone loves a pillow, it’s a testament to how people like to procure things and how much people love design, but a lot of people I know really wait for this annual event to be able to support it.”

And while there will be fewer vignettes this year, the roster of contributing designers is just as stellar as past events with “rooms” organized by Rayman Boozer, Mark Cunningham, Alexa Hampton, Redd Kaihoi, Robert Stilin, Steven Gambrel, Yellow House Architects, and more.

Eclectic living room filled with vibrant plants, decorative lamps, and framed artwork on patterned walls.
Vignette by Redd Kaihoi at Design on a Dime 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Design on a Dime

“I’ve actually had two guys fistfight in my vignette over artwork from Wendover,” recalls Moyler of her past turns creating shoppable spaces at Design on Dime. “People kept coming over to my space to see what else is here that these guys are going to blows, so I ended up selling out very quickly. It’s just such a blessing to be part of a generous design community.”

Additionally, event founder James “Ford” Huniford is stepping down after 20 years at the helm, with industry titans Boozer, Jamie Drake, Cliff Fong, Elissa Grayer, Young Huh, David Kaihoi, Charlotte Moss, and Miles Redd joining Moyler as chairs of the annual gathering.

Eclectic living room with pink walls, velvet sofa, colorful rug, and vibrant artwork.
Vignette by Tina Ramchandani at Design on a Dime 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Design on a Dime
Luxurious dark-hued room with modern art, elegant furniture, abstract wall decor, and ambient lighting.
Vignette by Yellow House Architects at Design on a Dime 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Design on a Dime
Cozy living room with eclectic decor, books, plants, and colorful pillows on a sofa, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Vignette by Philip Gorrivan at Design on a Dime 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Design on a Dime
Elegant dining room with wooden chairs, round table set for a meal, and eclectic wall decor in a cozy atmosphere.
Vignette by Peter Pennoyer Architects at Design on a Dime 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Design on a Dime
Eclectic room with patterned walls, colorful furniture, lamps, and framed art creating a cozy, vibrant atmosphere.
Vignette by Nick Olsen at Design on a Dime 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Design on a Dime
Colorful and eclectic living room with abstract art, modern furniture, patterned rug, and decorative plants.
Vignette by Leyden Lewis Design Studio at Design on a Dime 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Design on a Dime
Retro-styled room with patterned wallpaper, vintage furniture, shelves with decor items, and a photo on the wall.
Vignette by Ghislaine Viñas at Design on a Dime 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Design on a Dime
luxurious bedroom with patterned walls, chandelier, and colorful accents
Vignette by Rayman Boozer at Design on a Dime 2025. Photo: Courtesy of Design on a Dime

“I have the utmost respect for Ford,” says Moyler. “He’s an absolute legend for what he’s been able to do and the funds he’s been able to amass as a result. I continue to be in awe of the work that he’s done. He’s absolutely selfless and full of integrity, and the team will continue the mission because it’s continued to be needed. The crisis is never over.”