5 Hot Trends From Toronto’s 2020 Interior Design Show
Textured faucets, biophilic wallpaper and sculptural LED lights were among the trends spotted at this year’s IDS
Barbara Milner
January 27, 2020
Houzz Contributor. Designer, journalist and vintage hound. I enjoy telling personal stories through my design projects and creating happy, practical spaces that are both inspirational and memorable. I adore edgy elegance and have a passion for vintage objects and curiosities. You can often find me with hair in bun and child in tow at thrift shops and antique markets. www.southhillinteriors.com.
Houzz Contributor. Designer, journalist and vintage hound. I enjoy telling personal... More
This year’s Interior Design Show in Toronto provided an early look at what we can expect from the world of design in 2020. The show brought together top names — including iconic designer Jonathan Adler — new products, furniture and accessories. Bold color, sculptural LED lighting, biophilic wallpaper, faucets embellished with texture and black-stained wood furniture dominated the showroom floor.
The event, held Jan. 16-19, drew thousands, including architects, interior and industrial designers, homeowners and design enthusiasts. Read on to learn about five emerging trends seen at the show.
The event, held Jan. 16-19, drew thousands, including architects, interior and industrial designers, homeowners and design enthusiasts. Read on to learn about five emerging trends seen at the show.
Photos by Alex Lukey
1. Kaleidoscope of Color
Candy colors were sprinkled throughout the showroom at IDS Toronto, signaling the comeback of vibrancy in 2020. Designer Jonathan Adler, known for his bold use of color and whimsical looks, partnered with Caesarstone to create an eclectic and ethereal installation titled “Dreamland.”
When it comes to his approach for 2020, Adler is clear that now, more than ever, there’s an appetite for arresting design. “It’s a time of chaos and eccentricity. Everybody is letting their freak flag fly,” Adler says, adding that with chaos comes the need for more individuality and the need to “make things more extra.”
1. Kaleidoscope of Color
Candy colors were sprinkled throughout the showroom at IDS Toronto, signaling the comeback of vibrancy in 2020. Designer Jonathan Adler, known for his bold use of color and whimsical looks, partnered with Caesarstone to create an eclectic and ethereal installation titled “Dreamland.”
When it comes to his approach for 2020, Adler is clear that now, more than ever, there’s an appetite for arresting design. “It’s a time of chaos and eccentricity. Everybody is letting their freak flag fly,” Adler says, adding that with chaos comes the need for more individuality and the need to “make things more extra.”
Adler’s “Dreamland” installation reflected this no-holds-barred sensibility. His goal was to create a “trippy” reflection of heaven. “I wanted it to be optimistic, dreamy and really cool,” he says. “When design is good, it should look like a discovery, not an invention.”
Adler created the fluffy-cloud effect using various tones of white and gray Caesarstone slabs, adding vibrant color with his signature designs.
Adler created the fluffy-cloud effect using various tones of white and gray Caesarstone slabs, adding vibrant color with his signature designs.
Lightmaker Studio
Color made its presence known at IDS Toronto in subtle ways as well. Toronto-based Lightmaker Studio launched its Sweetie wall sconce at the show. It features brass and two-tone sandblasted glass. The pastel pink is a playful nod to the studio’s in-house designers, who embrace the color as a collective.
Color made its presence known at IDS Toronto in subtle ways as well. Toronto-based Lightmaker Studio launched its Sweetie wall sconce at the show. It features brass and two-tone sandblasted glass. The pastel pink is a playful nod to the studio’s in-house designers, who embrace the color as a collective.
W Studio
Pink, blue, red and every color in between were seen in W Studio’s new rug collection, a collaboration with world-renowned artist Peter Triantos.
Using digital print technology, W Studio is taking rug making to a new level of art.
Pink, blue, red and every color in between were seen in W Studio’s new rug collection, a collaboration with world-renowned artist Peter Triantos.
Using digital print technology, W Studio is taking rug making to a new level of art.
W Studio creative director and founder Alan Pourvakil views flooring as the “fifth wall” in a room. His collaboration with Triantos was born out of his love for the artist’s work, which he collects himself, and the desire to introduce bold colors to the company’s rugs. “Color gives us energy and lifts our spirits,” Pourvakil says. “People are longing for this bolt of positivity and joy in their home. Walking into a room should make you happy.”
Atelier Stōbben
2. Sculptural LED Lighting
Exhibitors this year proved that light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are bridging the gap between fine art and lighting design. Sculptural LED lighting such as these Manitoba wall lamps by Atelier Stōbben hang like artwork on a wall.
The lamps were inspired by the Kroeger clocks of the 18th century, when clocks became a more important way than sunlight to tell time in a household. Designer Paul Neudorf used LED technology to make the lamps mimic the the intensity of the sun throughout the day. In the morning, the light begins as a soft orange glow, changes gradually to an intense bright white at midday, then slowly fades back down to a soft warm glow in the evening.
2. Sculptural LED Lighting
Exhibitors this year proved that light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, are bridging the gap between fine art and lighting design. Sculptural LED lighting such as these Manitoba wall lamps by Atelier Stōbben hang like artwork on a wall.
The lamps were inspired by the Kroeger clocks of the 18th century, when clocks became a more important way than sunlight to tell time in a household. Designer Paul Neudorf used LED technology to make the lamps mimic the the intensity of the sun throughout the day. In the morning, the light begins as a soft orange glow, changes gradually to an intense bright white at midday, then slowly fades back down to a soft warm glow in the evening.
East Van Light
Designer Dan Emery of East Van Light debuted his first LED collection at IDS Toronto. Emery channeled dimmable LED strips on the inside and outside of clustered hexagons in maple and walnut. “With flexible LED strips there are no longer limitations to structure, because you don’t have the physical limitations of a socket and lightbulb,” Emery says.
Designer Dan Emery of East Van Light debuted his first LED collection at IDS Toronto. Emery channeled dimmable LED strips on the inside and outside of clustered hexagons in maple and walnut. “With flexible LED strips there are no longer limitations to structure, because you don’t have the physical limitations of a socket and lightbulb,” Emery says.
Hollis + Morris
Toronto-based Hollis + Morris is known for its striking, minimalist designs that act as sculpture in a room. This Junction table light unveiled at IDS Toronto pays homage to the design studio’s home, the Junction area of Toronto. The neighborhood was named for its intersecting railways and is represented in this design by the integrated LED strips intersecting to create a glowing canopy of light.
Toronto-based Hollis + Morris is known for its striking, minimalist designs that act as sculpture in a room. This Junction table light unveiled at IDS Toronto pays homage to the design studio’s home, the Junction area of Toronto. The neighborhood was named for its intersecting railways and is represented in this design by the integrated LED strips intersecting to create a glowing canopy of light.
Ridgely Studio Works
The Stacked pendant light by Ridgely Studio Works is made of matte black powder-coated steel and slim LED strips. Creative director Zac Ridgely used a very narrow (5-millimeter) LED tape to create what he says looks “almost like a line drawing of a fixture.” The pendant “allows for a sculptural presence in a home without the need for a dedicated space for a sculpture,” Ridgely says.
The Stacked pendant light by Ridgely Studio Works is made of matte black powder-coated steel and slim LED strips. Creative director Zac Ridgely used a very narrow (5-millimeter) LED tape to create what he says looks “almost like a line drawing of a fixture.” The pendant “allows for a sculptural presence in a home without the need for a dedicated space for a sculpture,” Ridgely says.
Rohl
3. Faucets Embellished With Texture
Faucets are the jewelry of the kitchen and bath; they attract attention and evoke an almost immediate reaction. It was clear at IDS Toronto that texture is the new sought-after embellishment for faucets. California-based Rohl launched its Graceline collection in matte gold and black finishes with knurled textural accents.
3. Faucets Embellished With Texture
Faucets are the jewelry of the kitchen and bath; they attract attention and evoke an almost immediate reaction. It was clear at IDS Toronto that texture is the new sought-after embellishment for faucets. California-based Rohl launched its Graceline collection in matte gold and black finishes with knurled textural accents.
Franz Viegener
Luxury faucet manufacturer Franz Viegener showcased a range of textured knobs at the show, and its booth proved a tactile experience for the many visitors who were quick to touch the products on display.
Designer Josef Moskovic introduced textures he calls diamond cut, rings and coinage to the brand. There are plans to introduce several more textures, and perhaps not limited to the knobs.
Luxury faucet manufacturer Franz Viegener showcased a range of textured knobs at the show, and its booth proved a tactile experience for the many visitors who were quick to touch the products on display.
Designer Josef Moskovic introduced textures he calls diamond cut, rings and coinage to the brand. There are plans to introduce several more textures, and perhaps not limited to the knobs.
Rubinet
Canadian faucet manufacturer Rubinet, known for its bold use of color and its mix of finishes and textures, showcased a new knurled industrial faucet handle at the show. It’s seen here in Rubinet’s new midnight blue finish as part of its La Salle collection.
Canadian faucet manufacturer Rubinet, known for its bold use of color and its mix of finishes and textures, showcased a new knurled industrial faucet handle at the show. It’s seen here in Rubinet’s new midnight blue finish as part of its La Salle collection.
Fantini
High-end Italian design company Fantini also featured a range of textures on its faucets and an interesting range of materials. The colorful Nice collection has acrylic knobs that are velvety smooth to the touch.
The faucet seen here is from the company’s new Venezia collection, whose handle options include transparent faceted crystal, Murano blown glass and knurled or smooth metal.
High-end Italian design company Fantini also featured a range of textures on its faucets and an interesting range of materials. The colorful Nice collection has acrylic knobs that are velvety smooth to the touch.
The faucet seen here is from the company’s new Venezia collection, whose handle options include transparent faceted crystal, Murano blown glass and knurled or smooth metal.
Rollout
4. Biophilic Wallpaper
Wallpaper continues to amaze in new and innovative ways. Biophilia, or the human tendency to connect with nature, was a common theme among wallcoverings at this year’s IDS Toronto. Biophilic design seeks to improve our wellness in a built environment through associations with the natural world.
Rollout unleashed its line of wallcoverings called Undo, a collaboration with Holland-based design agency Obsidian. The series was created using the same algorithms used by video game developers to create artificial realities and mimic nature. The wavy wallcovering shown here is part of this new collection and aims to bring water to life, increasing a sense of well-being, focus and creativity in a space.
4. Biophilic Wallpaper
Wallpaper continues to amaze in new and innovative ways. Biophilia, or the human tendency to connect with nature, was a common theme among wallcoverings at this year’s IDS Toronto. Biophilic design seeks to improve our wellness in a built environment through associations with the natural world.
Rollout unleashed its line of wallcoverings called Undo, a collaboration with Holland-based design agency Obsidian. The series was created using the same algorithms used by video game developers to create artificial realities and mimic nature. The wavy wallcovering shown here is part of this new collection and aims to bring water to life, increasing a sense of well-being, focus and creativity in a space.
Organoid
Organoid’s wallcoverings that appeal to three senses — sight, touch and smell — drew plenty of interest at the show. They’re made of organic materials such as wildflowers, rose petals, hay, hop cones and pine needles, to name a few. The materials are mixed together using an ecological binding agent and then pressed into a thin wallcovering that retains the natural scent of the materials. The paper also retains much of the materials’ texture, giving it a highly natural look and feel.
Organoid’s wallcoverings that appeal to three senses — sight, touch and smell — drew plenty of interest at the show. They’re made of organic materials such as wildflowers, rose petals, hay, hop cones and pine needles, to name a few. The materials are mixed together using an ecological binding agent and then pressed into a thin wallcovering that retains the natural scent of the materials. The paper also retains much of the materials’ texture, giving it a highly natural look and feel.
Lorraine Tuson
Whether it was in color or black and white, flower power was a dominant theme among wallcoverings at this year’s show, in happy, playful and even sentimental looks inspired by nature.
The Field of Flowers wallcovering by Lorraine Tuson began as a single flower drawn for a thank-you card. “One of the ways I love to play with space is designing wallpaper that evokes an emotional response and ignites our memories,” Tuson says. “Bringing nature into our homes through pattern on the walls is one of the first instincts people had, and I believe it wasn’t to offer us a window to the outside world, but an opening to the color, textures and patterns of our experiences with nature and life.”
Whether it was in color or black and white, flower power was a dominant theme among wallcoverings at this year’s show, in happy, playful and even sentimental looks inspired by nature.
The Field of Flowers wallcovering by Lorraine Tuson began as a single flower drawn for a thank-you card. “One of the ways I love to play with space is designing wallpaper that evokes an emotional response and ignites our memories,” Tuson says. “Bringing nature into our homes through pattern on the walls is one of the first instincts people had, and I believe it wasn’t to offer us a window to the outside world, but an opening to the color, textures and patterns of our experiences with nature and life.”
Atelier Arking
5. Black-Stained Wood Furniture
Black-stained wood furniture was showcased by local designers, cabinetmakers and major retailers at the show, and it’s a look we should expect to see much more of in the year to come.
Atelier Arking, a design studio of contemporary handmade furniture in Milton, Ontario, displayed a variety of pieces made of mostly locally sourced wood stained jet black. “Black and white is a longtime loved category in fashion and design,” says J. Moon, the studio’s founder and chief designer and maker. “A black stain highlights shape and grain (texture) and delivers more impact to a space and the user.”
5. Black-Stained Wood Furniture
Black-stained wood furniture was showcased by local designers, cabinetmakers and major retailers at the show, and it’s a look we should expect to see much more of in the year to come.
Atelier Arking, a design studio of contemporary handmade furniture in Milton, Ontario, displayed a variety of pieces made of mostly locally sourced wood stained jet black. “Black and white is a longtime loved category in fashion and design,” says J. Moon, the studio’s founder and chief designer and maker. “A black stain highlights shape and grain (texture) and delivers more impact to a space and the user.”
Objects + Ideas
These Mono table and chairs, designed by Di Tao of Objects + Ideas, was inspired by the patterns made by planes at air shows. The table top appears to float above a single twisting and turning outline of solid wood. Tao uses a black stain to create a striking silhouette that enhances the dramatic, sculpted design.
These Mono table and chairs, designed by Di Tao of Objects + Ideas, was inspired by the patterns made by planes at air shows. The table top appears to float above a single twisting and turning outline of solid wood. Tao uses a black stain to create a striking silhouette that enhances the dramatic, sculpted design.
CB2
Black-stained wood furnishings, such as the new Rissa bar, are also part of CB2’s spring 2020 collection. The oak bar with ribbed detailing and black marble top was designed by Jannis Ellenberger. The look is reminiscent of the roaring ’20s, whose mood some might argue is evident as we head into this new decade of design.
More on Houzz
Maison & Objet: 10 Color Trends for Home Design in 2020
34 Trends That Will Define Home Design in 2020
Look for an interior designer near you
Shop for bar cabinets
Black-stained wood furnishings, such as the new Rissa bar, are also part of CB2’s spring 2020 collection. The oak bar with ribbed detailing and black marble top was designed by Jannis Ellenberger. The look is reminiscent of the roaring ’20s, whose mood some might argue is evident as we head into this new decade of design.
More on Houzz
Maison & Objet: 10 Color Trends for Home Design in 2020
34 Trends That Will Define Home Design in 2020
Look for an interior designer near you
Shop for bar cabinets
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No thank you. I'll wait out what will be a short-lived trend. Most of it looks like it belongs in a child's bedroom
Wow! I adore the colourful carpets! It’s extremely difficult to find pretty and artistic carpets. The majority of rugs are browns, beiges and blacks. It’s completely refreshing to see these gorgeous colours. It’s about time.
Are faucet designers/manufacturers still not yet over their 20-year long affair with industrial tight-u-shaped faucets? Would be so welcome to see at least a few of them bring back an updated version of the 1990s sculptural wide-curve faucets.