What’s Inspiring Me at IDS Toronto 2026: A Look at the Trends Shaping Design Right Now

Every January, IDS Toronto offers a pulse check on the design world and this year’s show revealed a clear message: comfort, artistry, and emotion are taking center stage. Walking through the exhibits, I was drawn to pieces that soften the edges of modernism, express personality through color and texture, and celebrate craft in new, unexpected ways. Here’s a look at the standout trends that are informing how I see and approach design this season and the year to come. 

1. Soft Curves Are Elevating Comfort

Curvaceous seating, rounded arms, and sculptural silhouettes are shaping a new language of comfort. The emphasis is on cocooning forms that invite you in—design that feels as good as it looks.

2. Design is Shifting Toward Softness and Flow

There’s a move away from rigidity. Instead, we’re seeing fluid lines, tactile fabrics, and materials that feel warm and organic. It’s a quiet luxury—more intuitive, less formal.

3. Stone Is No Longer Just a Surface—It’s a Statement

Marble and stonework are being treated like art: dramatic veining, full-height slabs, and bold pairings make them focal points, not just finishes. The materiality speaks volumes.

4. Colour is Bold, Playful & Moody

Paint colors and palettes are full of character—rich greens, earthy terracottas, dusty pastels, and inky neutrals. It’s about telling a story through color that’s both expressive and livable.

5. Lighting is Becoming Sculptural

Lighting installations that stood out for their artistry. Think glowing glass, hand-formed shapes, and materials that refract or reflect in unexpected ways. These are functional pieces with artistic intent.

6. Immersive Art

Art is being integrated more deeply into interiors, becoming a design layer rather than an afterthought. From abstract brushstrokes to photo-realistic portraits, it's about creating atmosphere and emotion.

  What I love most about this year’s IDS is how it reaffirmed that good design isn’t just about form; it’s about feeling. Whether it’s the softness of a velvet chair, the drama of veined stone, or the intimacy of curated art, these trends all share a desire to connect. And that’s exactly what I aim to bring into the spaces I design.