IDS 2023: 5 Must-See Events & Exhibits

This weekend, design lovers across the country will be Toronto-bound for the 25th annual Interior Design Show (IDS 2023). IDS 2023 will centre its theme of “Moving Parts: Design for a complex world” through unique exhibitions, captivating keynotes and large-scale installations inspired by the interior designers, architects, and makers breaking rules in search of innovative solutions to the challenges of their practice.

If you’ve visited IDS before, you’ll know there is plenty to discover. To help navigate the busy weekend ahead, here’s our top picks of must-see events and programming. And don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for Designlines Love Tags—awarded to our favourite products and projects throughout the show.

Studio North

The Studio North feature at IDS Toronto 2023 is an annual highlight and visitor favourite. In a gallery-like setting, Studio North welcomes a cohort of Canadian and international designers to present their custom collections to an inspired audience. A launchpad for up-and-coming designers, Studio North will introduce show-goers to new names in furniture, lighting, ceramics and textile design among other mediums. This year’s exhibition will showcase 16 makers, including Montreal-based weaver Davin Cowper (aka Mark Krebs) and Mt Prospect Studio.

A Namesake Exhibition

Observe a selection of cutting-edge products designed to provide solutions to some of today’s most present challenges. The Moving Parts exhibit, designed by Toronto-based studio PICNIC Design, is inspired by the global phenomena re-framing our daily lives and consumer habits ranging from pandemic-induced changes in human behaviour to shifting supply chains and widespread acceptance of the climate crisis.

Panel: The Future of Toronto

Kicking off IDS 2023 on Trade Day Thursday, the Future of Toronto panel will address what the city needs to overcome some of its biggest challenges and, most importantly, where design fits into the solution. Sharing their opinions and critical commentary on proposed projects, bylaws, infrastructure, and more, the lineup of speakers includes Partisans co-founder Pooya Baktash, Unison Group Inc.’s founder Sabine Grimes, Monumental CEO Zahra Ebrahim and Globe and Mail architecture critic Alex Bozikovic. January 19, 10:30-11:30am.

AZURE Trade Talks: Dismantling Design

Decanthropy founder Ian Rolston believes that to dismantle design is to consider the interior design industry reaching its fullest potential. In conversation with Stefan Novakovic of AZURE Magazine, Rolston will be discussing this ethos along with his experience as a designer and equity consultant across North America. January 20, 2:30-3:30.

Prototype

One of the best parts of IDS is getting an up-close look at the cutting-edge products yet to hit the market. At Prototype, a platform within Studio North, find pre-production and conceptual products addressing new ideas for the residential market. This year’s exhibitors feature works in circular design, multi-functional home decor and handmade textiles.