Design Week in Toronto 2026: Cold Weather, Warm Community
EVENTS
A City Alive with Design
The Team at LightForm Toronto, January 2026
Despite plunging temperatures that rivalled a polar vortex and snowbanks that would make the most seasoned skiers envious, Toronto once again proved that January belongs to design. Frozen pipes and unshovelled sidewalks didn’t deter the Architecture & Design community and the wider design-loving public, who showed up in full force for a packed week of exhibitions, parties, installations, and conversations.
Design Week in Toronto felt celebratory, resilient, social, and deeply engaged this year. It warmed up our frozen toes and hearts, offering a reminder of why this city’s (and the broader country’s) creative scene continues to matter.
IDS Toronto: A Long-Awaited Return to Energy
IDS Toronto 2026
Design Week officially kicked off on January 22 at the Interior Design Show (IDS), held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Running from January 22-25, IDS 2026 reaffirmed its position as Canada’s premier annual design fair. It brought together international and Canadian brands, new product launches, furniture, lighting, and large-scale installations all in one massive space.
The Opening Night Party set the tone. After several quieter years post-COVID, the energy was unmistakably back.
“What a great event,” shared Curtis from our Sales Team. “It was well attended, the energy was fantastic, the music was pumping and the drinks were flowing. It was great to finally see the IDS come back to its former glory. The best part was seeing the people, our vendors and our clients. It was a great opportunity to network.”
That sentiment was echoed across the team. Team Lead Christine noted that it was “the best opening night party in a long time,” calling out the Moooi and Ste. Marie Studio’s collaboration for HOW WE WORK as a standout booth. The consensus was clear: IDS felt alive again.
LightForm Toronto at Moooi x Ste. Marie Studio’s joint booth, a team favourite at IDS
During the Trade Days on January 22-23, the show had a more focused rhythm. Rini from our Sales Team observed that while daytime traffic was lighter, the new ILLUMINATE lighting section showed promise. “It’s very engineering and technical,” she noted. Her favourite lighting moment was definitely the installations of Bomma, which came as no surprise.
Bomma’s Ama Suspensions on display at IDS Toronto 2026
For many of us, IDS continues to shine brightest where experimentation and emerging voices take centre stage. Studio North and the Prototype exhibition remain personal highlights. For Carmel in Marketing, “It was amazing to see a lot more smaller independent booths this year. There was a clear celebration of local makers and designers. I was delighted to see studios from out-of-province show up and show a fuller picture of Canadian design.”
Independent local booths at IDS Toronto 2026
IDS Toronto 2026
DesignTO Festival
On January 23, the DesignTO Festival officially began. Its opening party at MOCA sold out almost instantly (and yes, we sadly missed it), but the festival’s programming more than made up for it.
One of the most impactful exhibitions we experienced was TO BE LONGING at the Ace Hotel. The exhibition explored queer domesticity, reframing the idea of “home” as a living archive shaped by identity, resilience, and chosen family. Architect Quan Thai’s exhibition in Ace Suite 1104 offered an intimate, emotionally grounded experience that lingered well beyond the visit.
The following night, January 24, brought us to the Pot-au-feu ensemble at The Plumb, a furniture exhibition featuring mostly Québécois designers. The show was immersive, atmospheric, and truly impeccable.
The Wood Room in Pot-au-feu ensemble at The Plumb
“It was a beautifully executed, immersive exhibition,” Carmel shared. “They completely transformed the basement gallery into something transportive.” Rooms were wrapped in fabric, clad in wood, and scented with smoked tobacco leaves, creating a multi-sensory experience.
Darmes stood out in particular, and we say this genuinely without any bias (though, you are welcome to browse their full collection here). Darmes co-founder Alexandre Joncas also presented his own lighting designs and original glass work. “His personal lighting designs were our absolute favourites in the show,” Carmel noted, alongside his glass vases.
Darmes co-founder Alex Joncas also showcased his own personal designs at Pot-au-feu ensemble at The Plumb
Alex Joncas personal designs at Pot-au-feu ensemble at The Plumb
Account Executive Kait summed it up best: “I’ve never been to an exhibition that smelled so damn good, and full of all the best people, great energy, and legitimately exciting design.”
Light, Food, and Community at Mason Studio
On January 26, DesignTO took on a more intimate (and delicious) form with Light Gathering in the Yuàn, hosted by Mason Studio in collaboration with VYVYD Lighting. Held in their new Light Room, this immersive dining experience explored light, culture, and contemporary Chinese hospitality through an eight-course meal by Chef Eva Chin of Yan Dining Room.
Light Gathering in the Yuàn at Mason Studio, DesignTO 2026
As courses were served, the lighting shifted, subtly but intentionally, shaping the emotional experience of the evening. Christine described it as “creating an emotional experience beyond the flavours on the plate.” The guest list itself reflected the diversity of Toronto’s creative community: designers, architects, academics, journalists, marketers, real estate developers, and makers, all gathered around shared tables.
Light Gathering in the Yuàn at Mason Studio, DesignTO 2026; dinner served by Chef Eva Chin of Yan Dining Room
Beyond the food and lighting, the evening stood out for its sense of authenticity and connection. “Ashley and Stanley (of Mason Studio) are such gracious hosts,” Christine noted. “They just know how to bring the community together in a sincere and inspiring fashion.”
ALL LIGHT: Small, Local, and Impactful
Later that week, we visited ALL LIGHT, a compact but powerful exhibition by Common Good Studio and Kate Tessier. Focused on local artists and lighting designers, the exhibition reinforced one of Design Week’s strongest throughlines: the importance of supporting local creative practices.
Light-making Workshop, as part of the ALL LIGHT exhibition at DesignTO
Rini also participated in the light-making workshop, which became a surprise highlight. “The warm and inviting atmosphere created easy conversations within the participants of mostly interior and industrial designers. It was a great way to meet and get to know people from the industry, while we painted and worked on our lights,” she shared. Designed to be approachable and hands-on working with all local materials, including natural paints from Manitoulin Island, the workshop demystified lighting and turned it into a shared creative experience.
“After you place the painted shade onto the light and turn it on, the colours showing through are different,” she said. “I came out of it so inspired. It made an impact on me and definitely will be a lasting memory. Out of all the Design Week events, I think I value the smaller, experiential moments the most.”
Evening reception for Rachael Wong’s DesignTO window installations at LightForm
The pinnacle of Design Week for us was, of course, our event on January 27, celebrating artist Rachael Wong at our Toronto showroom for DesignTO. The evening was lively, social, and well attended with people from the industry and art lovers alike.
Evening reception for Rachael Wong’s 2026 DesignTO window installations at LightForm
Christine noted strong in-person engagement throughout the evening. From an experiential standpoint, the reception marked a clear evolution from the year prior. “Rachael took on the challenge of filling up the front room more with new work, called Fabricated Landscape, and extending her window installation into a larger, immersive experience.”
Artist Rachael Wong and her 2026 DesignTO installations
Read more about Rachael Wong and her art practice here.
We also used this moment to collaborate with our local neighbourhood businesses, Cocktail Emporium and Saudade, inviting them to take part in our Dwelling in Light vignettes throughout the showroom as a response to Rachael’s installations. The intention was to highlight the powerful role lighting plays in shaping atmosphere and experience: how it transforms not only the domestic spaces we call home, but also the public and communal spaces we move through every day.
Playful vignette of barware by Cocktail Emporium
Linens, dinnerware, and home accessories by Saudade
Reception attendees were comprised of the local A&D community and art and design-enthusiasts
A Reflection in Time: An installation by VIÚVA LAMEGO and REPUBLIC OF II BY IV
We were also grateful to spend time with our clients at Republic of II BY IV at A Reflection in Time, an exhibition created in collaboration with Viúva Lamego. The installation at General Hardware in Parkdale explored reflection as something both seen and felt through sculptural tile surfaces. They were interested in exploring how the surfaces caught and transformed light with each movement through the space. It was a beautiful reminder of how meaningful it is to connect with our clients beyond project work. “I’m so excited for the team,” shares Kait. “I’m glad to be able to see the exhibition in person and show support.” We value being able to witness the creative explorations of the people we work with, especially outside of project scope, and to support the ideas that continue to shape our shared design community. At the end of the day, it’s really about the people.
Tiles designed by Republic of II BY IV, manufactured in Portugal by Viúva Lamego. Photography Credit VIUVA LAMEGO.
Tiles designed by Republic of II BY IV, manufactured in Portugal by Viúva Lamego. Photography Credit VIUVA LAMEGO.
Design Week in Toronto this year really hit home how design thrives on connection. Between people, disciplines, ideas, and spaces, whether through large-scale fairs like IDS, intimate exhibitions, hands-on workshops, or a thoughtfully lit dinner table, this year’s festivities and programming reinforced the value of showing up for one another. Of gathering and of being present with each other. Even when it’s cold outside. And maybe especially then.
