Top 7 Interior Design Trends from Toronto's 2025 Design Show

Doriana Mazzone, Blogger

5 days ago5 min read

Updated: 4 days ago

Interior design, design, furniture, living room, kitchen designs, luxury homes, bathroom designs, closet design, design ideas, lighting designs, kitchen ideas, design trends, furniture stores, toronto furniture, condosca, condos, homes, small spaces, condo living, furniture stores, lifestyle, real estate blog, torontolife, doriana mazzone, yphs, reviews, design reviews, google reviews — Highview Fine Cabinetry

Reflecting on 20 Years of the Toronto Interior Design Show (IDS)

I’ve been attending the Toronto Interior Design Show (IDS) since my college days back in 2006. With only a few exceptions, it’s become a yearly tradition. Over the years, I’ve witnessed how much the show—and the industry—has evolved.

As the saying goes, "Out with the old, in with the new." Design trends are always shifting, and the IDS show is no exception. While it holds onto its foundational purpose—showcasing innovation and talent—it has transformed alongside the industry, reflecting changing times and consumer demands.

The Changing Face of IDS

In its earlier years, IDS was dominated by big names like Miele, Scavolini, and other major furniture and design brands. These “anchor vendors” often stole the spotlight, drawing crowds with extravagant booths. I still remember the year IKEA made an appearance, causing quite the stir among other vendors.

However, the show has gradually shifted its focus. Today, smaller vendors and up-and-coming designers are stepping into the limelight. This shift breathes fresh life into IDS, allowing new talent and innovative designs to shine.

Advice for Vendors: Go Big or Go Home

For vendors at IDS, your booth is your brand’s 30-second commercial. The impression you leave can stick long after the show. My advice? Invest in a larger booth and showcase your product boldly.

The foot traffic you’ll receive over one weekend can be as powerful as a year’s worth of social media engagement. A memorable booth makes you top-of-mind when potential customers think about kitchens, bathrooms, or furniture.

This year, I noticed a vendor from Montreal who previously had a small booth returning with a larger, more impressive display. It’s inspiring to see growth and evolution in these businesses—this is what IDS is all about.

7 Design Trends to Watch in 2025: Key Takeaways

#1. Closets: European-Inspired Practicality

The most underrated spaces in homes—closets—are finally being reimagined.

Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling closets: Sleek, built-in styles with practical features like drawers, shelves, and hanging rods are trending.
Say goodbye to traditional North American closets: The old 7-foot sliding-door closets with blocked-off headroom are being replaced with custom designs that make use of every inch of space.
Innovative designs at all price points: Builders, condo developers, and renovators can now provide stunning custom closets without needing walk-in spaces.

Closets, closets, closets! Beautiful, practical, European-inspired design closets are taking over. Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling built-ins are transforming homes. Forget about the traditional 7’ sliding-door designs—these new closets are functional and stunning, even for smaller spaces. With innovative designs available at various price points, a standard sliding closet can look custom-built.

#2. Glass and Décor Partition Walls

Glass partition walls are redefining open-concept living

Black aluminum frames with glass: These sleek, modern walls allow natural light to flow while maintaining sound control.
Open yet defined spaces: Perfect for homeowners who want open-concept layouts with added privacy and reduced noise.
A personal favorite: These partitions add elegance to homes and make spaces feel connected without sacrificing functionality.

Glass and décor partition walls are on the rise—aluminum sliding doors, glass panels, and raised décor walls are changing interior architecture. These partitions allow for sound control while maintaining natural light flow. With black-framed glass designs, you can achieve an open concept that still feels intimate.

#3. Kitchen Design

Softer, natural materials: Warm wood tones paired with marble or stone countertops are becoming the go-to look.
Scandinavian-European influence: Designs are sleek, sophisticated, and practical, with hardware that blends seamlessly into cabinets.
Single sinks dominate: Large rectangular sinks have replaced double sinks, thanks to their versatility and compatibility with pull-out faucets.

Kitchen designs are taking on a softer, natural tone. Wood paired with marble or stone creates a warm yet modern look. Scandinavian-European designs bring elegance, and hardware is now more integrated and functional. Double sinks are officially out—single rectangular sinks offer more practicality and style.

#4. Lighting: A Revolution in Design

LED technology has transformed lighting:

Versatility in fixtures: Lights can now shift from warm to cool tones within the same fixture.
Innovative designs: Sleek, minimal fixtures that work in any space are now possible, thanks to LED advancements.

Lighting has come a long way. Thanks to LED technology, fixtures are no longer limited by fluorescent or halogen designs. LED lights offer versatile lumen output and adjustable color temperatures, allowing for lighting that adapts to your mood and space.

#5. Furniture: Slim, Sleek, and Sophisticated

Out with the bulky, in with the slim: Contemporary designs feature soft textures, bold colors, and curved lines.
Smaller spaces, smarter designs: European influences cater to North American homes with smaller footprints, emphasizing functionality without sacrificing style.

Furniture is embracing soft textures, bold colors, and curves. Bulky, boxy designs are out; slim, sleek, and sophisticated pieces are in. European design leads the way in creating furniture for smaller spaces, combining function with style.

#6. Art: A Story Worth Sharing

Statement pieces shine: Large-format, textured, and 3D art is gaining popularity.
Art with impact: From abstract works to textured panels, art is moving beyond décor to become a defining element of a space.

Art is making a statement! Large-format pieces, 3D textures, and bold designs are bringing new life to walls. Art should tell a story—find a piece that speaks to you, rather than settling for mass-produced prints.

#7. Appliances: Slimmer, Neater Designs

A clean, modern look: Appliances are shedding their bulky, rugged appearance in favor of slim, minimalist designs.
Trim kits are out: This may impact older built-ins, but the streamlined look is worth it.

Appliances have undergone a much-needed facelift. Slim, neat designs are replacing bulky, rugged looks. Trim kits are becoming a thing of the past, allowing appliances to blend seamlessly into modern kitchens.

Closing Thoughts on IDS 2025

This year’s show may have been smaller, but it was full of fresh talent and exciting ideas. It’s inspiring to see smaller vendors taking center stage, especially those from outside of Ontario, like Montreal-based companies bringing European flair.

IDS remains a space for discovering new trends, materials, and names in the design world. As the industry evolves, I’m excited to see how IDS continues to adapt and spotlight innovation.

Shoutout to the perimeter vendors! This year, they absolutely stole the show. Their booths were so impressive that I found myself wanting to come back just to see them again.