Our Favorite Design Finds at Toronto Design Week 2026

"Held in late January, Toronto's design week practically dares design-lovers to prove their devotion. At this past edition, they braved not only the below-zero temperatures but also a historic snowstorm; part of the weather pattern that saw the U.S. draped in the white stuff, Toronto was hit with 22 inches of snow. They were rewarded with an inspiring array of furniture, lighting and experimental works both at the Interior Design Show and throughout the city-wide DesignTO festival."

"What emerged almost immediately as a main theme was colour - bold, unapologetic colour. In seating, lamps and accessories, it was clear that we're through with greige and with patterns that blend into the background. But what truly hit home was the use of colour in big furniture - kitchens, shelving systems and entire settings. At both IDS and DesignTO, it was also clear that the most exciting works retained an experimental quality - design trying out new finishes or entirely new materials and forms were at the top of everyone's list of must-sees."

"IKEA Canada returned to the Interior Design Show after a multi-year absence in a big and bold way. The brand showed off its new Terrsjö door system in a squash-orange kitchen that provided us with some much needed Vitamin C. The corrugated accent front was a breath of fresh air - as so was the entire 600-square-foot booth, which emphasized biophilia. Over at the AZURE-curated Furniture Forecast, the Disk shelving system by also presented new interior possibilities. Who said bookshelves need be background infrastructure? The Sacha Lakic-designed system is as captivating as a stained-glass artwork."

Visitors braved extreme cold and a historic snowstorm to attend Toronto design week, encountering furniture, lighting and experimental works at the Interior Design Show and across the DesignTO festival. A dominant theme was bold, unapologetic colour applied to seating, lamps, accessories and large furniture such as kitchens and shelving systems. Experimental work exploring new finishes, materials and forms drew attention alongside biophilic elements. IKEA Canada returned with a squash-orange Terrsjö kitchen featuring a corrugated accent front and a 600-square-foot booth emphasizing biophilia. The Disk shelving system reframed shelving as a stained-glass-like focal element within interiors.

Read at Design Milk