Canada’s premier interior design event is back in Toronto with its 27th iteration! Whether you’re a professional, enthusiast, or a DIYer, the Interior Design Show 2026 should be on your calendar from January 22 to 25.
Through exhibitions, marketplaces, and design challenges, the four-day event continues to deliver on its mission of promoting and celebrating the best in global and Canadian design. This is your chance to be part of a complete design experience, filled with both emerging designers and legacy brands.
The first two days are reserved for industry professionals and are packed with unmissable keynotes and networking opportunities. Over the weekend, the show opens its doors to all design lovers and is lined up with inspiring Canadian designers and their exhibitions.
If you’re planning to make a pitstop at the event, which we highly recommend you should, then here’s our guide to how you can make the most of your time there.
IDS Toronto 2026 Overview
When and Where
IDS Toronto 2026 will take place from January 22 to 25 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre‘s North Hall, located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Known for its full-length glass views of the city and its 1980s brutalist structure, the venue provides the perfect backdrop for an event honouring the design industry’s legacy and innovation.
What to Expect
Expect to be inspired! IDS Toronto 2026 truly brings a global mix of current trends and a glimpse into the future of design, all under one roof. Through seminars and immersive installations, the event not only celebrates the achievements of the past but also the sets the stage for the future of the industry.
What Makes IDS Toronto Unique
IDS Toronto is not just a design event – it’s a global celebration of creativity, innovation, and inspiration.
Global Inspiration, Local Impact: IDS Toronto brings together a powerhouse of design leaders from around the world, infusing the event with rich, international perspectives. This global dialogue creates an unparalleled opportunity for visitors to explore new ideas, trends, and innovations from every corner of the design world.
Immersive, Boundary-Pushing Installations: Every year, IDS Toronto breaks new ground with bold, immersive installations that spark creativity and push the limits of what’s possible. These captivating experiences not only engage the senses but also ignite the imagination of all who attend.
Celebrating Canadian Creativity: At its heart, IDS Toronto shines a spotlight on Canada’s vibrant design scene. By showcasing the best of Canadian talent, the event highlights the country’s unique contributions to global design and ensures that local designers receive the recognition they deserve on the world stage.
Take a tour of the 2024 edition with House & Home’s Lynda Reeves and Brian Gluckstein:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnlnFuLL5Uk
Key Event Highlights
Opening Night Party
The biggest design party of the year starts Thursday, January 22 at 7 pm. Join the design industry’s biggest leaders and creative minds for a night of networking and entertainment. The event features DJ performances curated by Rollout Sound and featured cocktails.
Illuminate
This innovative platform will include a curated selection of high-quality, contemporary lighting products to Toronto’s designers and architects.
Studio North
Studio North is a feature presented by Yorkville University where independent product designers get the opportunity to present their custom and on-off creations within a gallery-like setting.
Prototype
Prototype, also presented by Yorkville University, is a unique platform within Studio North that features unique products that are not currently in production and addresses new ideas for the residential design market.
Must-Attend IDS 2026 Keynotes
The IDS Main Stage presented by Khayeri will host four days of talks from Canadian and international keynote speakers.
Here are some talks that we can’t wait to catch:
Stewardship is a Method of Action: Eames Legacy Stories
In this session, Eames will discuss how the Eames family approaches the contemporary challenges and emerging opportunities in preserving a living, multi-generational legacy with a diverse and robust network of stakeholders.
Date: Thursday, January 22
Time: 1pm.
Speaker: Eames Demetrios (Charles & Ray Eames Foundation).
The FuRethinking AI’s impact on the Business of Design
Learn from leaders on how AI can help free up creative capacity, improve communication, and support ethical decision-making in an evolving marketplace.
Date: Jan 22
Time: 11 a.m.
Speakers: Andrew Lane (House of Digby), Brad Burns (Gensler Toronto), Harvey Schaefer (MillerKnoll)
Destinations, Not Desks: Reimagining Workplaces for a Generation That Needs a Reason/Purpose to Return
Expect a candid discussion on the challenges designers face in creating workplaces that resonate with modern needs at a moment when demand is rebounding and design quality can be the decisive factor in meaningful, engaging environments.
Date: Jan 22
Time: 2 p.m.
Speakers: Supreet Barhay (WZMH), Nicola Casciato (WZMH), Alison McNeil (Dialog). Hosted by Peter Sobchak (Canadian Interiors).
Ready to Fast-Track Your Career in Interior Design?
Yorkville University offers a CIDA-accredited Bachelor of Interior Design program that covers all facets of design theory. The program also includes 150 hours of real-world internship experience.
What’s more, Yorkville’s BID program can be completed either on campus in Toronto or completely online, making it one of the most accessible BID options in Canada.
Sounds interesting? Check out the program to learn more!
You can also checkout the booth our students designed for us at IDS 2024. We’ll be there this year too, so drop by to say hello.
