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.

Here we take a look at what stood out, in both the individual works and the broader design moments they represent.

Big, Bold Colour

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 Roche Bobois 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.

Moooi‘s setting at IDS, co-created with Vancouver’s Ste Marie, was perennially packed, but here’s a sliver to give you a sense of its psychedelic watery-blue print and generous foliage. Part of a series of spaces that explored the theme “How We Work,” it presented a boisterous, zany take on the corporate lounge.

Surprising Material Mutations

Vases made of tape, tables crafted from leather, upholstered light fixtures – wild material applications were everywhere and we were there for it. In one of the most satisfying collaborations, the Dutch textile brand ByBorre teamed up with Toronto studio Hollis+Morris, cladding the Willow vertical pendant in its 3D-knit textile. The result is a surprising juxtaposition of textures (which you can read about in more detail here.)

The Italian Trade Agency’s pavilion abounded with unexpected finishes. Futura Leathers‘ embossed patterns – luxurious flower reliefs that begged to be touched – and Agglotech‘s undulating terrazzo tiles were a highlight.

The DesignTO shows Tape and Ensemble also featured stunning new pieces in unconventional materials. As part of Tape, a group show curated by Toronto design wunderkind Jamie Wolfond, MSDS showed off its Tape Vessels, constructed from aluminum foil tape. The humble material made for a convincing riff on sparkling silverware.

At Ensemble, a group show bursting at the seams with creativity, the Finn side table by Séjour Studio argued for a whimsical new use for leather. The piece features a moveable top that allows it to double as storage.

Singular Furniture Moments

Let’s get to brass tacks: A great design week also offers new takes on decidedly practical furnishings, and the most compelling pieces I saw were by the young studios Coolican & Company, Gabriel Page Mobilier, Ourse and Studio Drum.

Inspired by “draped fabric and glacial formations,” Coolican & Company‘s Asquith dining table, in white ash, was a sight to behold, with its hefty top supported on two sculptural pedestals. This is a solid piece of work.

Gabriel Page‘s pieces at Ensemble, meanwhile, riffed on his earlier Quilted series, where wood takes on a soft, tufted appearance. I was drawn to the rounded edges of this chair and ottoman.

Ourse, an exciting new Canadian company, presented a full collection, which included mirrors, chairs, chaise longues and wall shelves. My favourites were the Peggy table by Studio Maron and the Soufflé stool by SmallMediumLarge, the latter as delectable as its namesake. The hit of forest green tied the two together beautifully.

I was delighted to become acquainted with Studio Drum, and its Drum Table, which was designed specially for Toronto’s Modulo Shop. Slotting into the steel top, its three leg slabs emerge as surface details that suggest a modern take on marquetry inlays.

Arty Lights

AND Ceramic Studio, out of Saskatchewan, showed off these ceramic sconces – inspired by the shapes of the Qu’Appelle River Valley – as part of the Illuminate feature exhibition at IDS. They also came in stacked floor lamp versions. But this grouping shows off the collections’ many shapes and possibilities in a compact cluster.

Lambert & Fils‘ collaboration with Kwangho Lee was another highlight at Ensemble (seriously, there were so many!). Lee added his special enameling technique to the metal lights, lending their industrial language a warm accent.

Juba, a design studio based in Montreal, founded by Nick Trudel, showed off the TL-1, its very first product. The quirky little lamp has a cast mineral base, machined aluminum stem, and a hand-formed cellulose acetate reflector.

Prototype Standouts

The Prototype section of IDS is always a must-see. It’s filled with new works and entirely new approaches by budding Canadian studios. And this year did not disappoint.

Estudio Goo‘s Scaffold Dresser is an arty little number in unfinished cherry and maple, made to order according to the vanity needs of the customer.

The Toriwam chair by William Ukoh struck me as a stripped-down interpretation of the Adirondack. Says Ukon, “within this silhouette, there’s also ancestry – themes of play, balance and joy shine through as well.”

And Archéologie des Chutes/Remnants Archeology by Atelier B (Anne-Marie Laflamme) transforms clay scraps into a home accent with a papier-mâché vibe. It was rough around the edges – in the best way possible.