2026 Judges
Design Judges
Eric Ross — Eric Ross is a seasoned interior designer with more than 20 years of experience. His work has been published in Traditional Home, Southern Style, Southern Lady, The Cottage Journal and many other publications. His passion is to fan the flame of traditional decorating with a deeply Southern aesthetic. A Kentucky native, he now lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
Cheryl Draa Moran — Cheryl Draa Moran is an award-winning interior designer with over 30 years of experience, specializing in helping people navigate life transitions through thoughtful, functional and beautiful spaces. A recipient of multiple prestigious Grace Awards, she blends creative vision with technical expertise, particularly in the complex art of custom window treatments and workroom design. Known for her warm, client-focused approach, Cheryl transforms change into opportunity—guiding clients with confidence, style and lasting comfort.
Zinaida Shikhanova — Zinaida Shikhanova is an award-winning designer and the founder of ZCurtains, where she combines her love of sewing and handcrafting with a strong technical background. Drawing inspiration from her parents—her mother’s artistry and her father’s precision—she has built a career defined by creativity and problem-solving. With experience leading large teams in corporate settings, Zinaida brings both vision and discipline to her work, delivering custom window treatments that blend beauty, functionality and exceptional craftsmanship.
Artisan Judges
Vicky Serany — Vicky Serany is the founder and principal designer of Southern Studio Interior Design, a nationally recognized firm based in Cary, North Carolina. For more than 20 years, she has led her team in creating casually sophisticated interiors that balance texture, pattern and color with livable luxury. Her work spans primary and vacation homes along the East Coast and has been featured in numerous publications, earning recognition such as Southern Living’s Designer of the Year and Women of Western Wake. Dedicated to mentoring emerging designers and supporting local nonprofits, Vicky extends her passion for design into leadership, education and community impact.
Donna Cash — Donna Cash is a nationally recognized sewing and business educator with over 38 years of experience in the soft furnishings industry. As founder of Designs by Donna, she is known for her signature pillows and bedding, as well as her ability to mentor makers through expert instruction and practical business strategies. Donna blends technical mastery with a focus on wellness, helping professionals build sustainable, profitable businesses while creating with confidence and joy.
Keely Hersh — Keely Hersh, owner of Right at Home Interiors, is a true authority in window treatments and interior design. In her 35 years in business, she has earned her reputation as a detail specialist with custom-made drapes, roman shades, bedding, pillows and more. Her award-winning designs are consistently picked up and shared on social media, and she’s been featured in multiple local and national publications as a subject expert in fabrics and trims, drapes and interior design.