The beginning of each year brings exciting new trends, concepts, and products. This year has been no different. At Tasco, we strive to immerse ourselves in the interior design industry to better understand the upcoming environment and mindset.
The Interior Design Show in Toronto is always a great source for learning about innovative design trends and we were lucky enough to attend again this January. The theme for IDS this year was Moving Parts: Design for a Complex World. The focus was on adaptability and flexibility in an ever-changing landscape. We can all agree that in the last few years, we’ve had to re-think how we live our lives and spend our time. Work life and home life are now more integrated than ever before and learning how to balance the two, physically and mentally, is essential.
One of the incredible features of the IDS this year was an installation by Christina Sideris called: BALANCE. This installation was a series of large-scale art pieces placed on illuminated boxes. The idea was that the art pieces created a tunnel that was scientifically documented to increase creativity and improve your mood. (photo: christinasideris.com)
The presenting sponsor of IDS was Miele. Their booth focused on sustainability and how to live responsibly, not only for consumers but as a company as well. Miele’s booth highlighted their dedication to produce the best possible products with the least impact on the environment. In an effort to actively create positive change, Miele has launched their own forest, dedicated to planting and protecting trees in Canada. The both also highlighted technology created for Miele products. They are designed with the environment in mind, during manufacturing and consumer use - like the Miele W1 Washers which are equipped with an EcoFeedback System, designed to give you precise energy and water consumption data. (photo: miele.ca)
Among the incredible booth designs and stunning furniture, there was an inspiring list of keynote speakers and seminars throughout the weekend. Friday afternoon featured Ian Rolston, the founder of Decanthropy, who discussed dismantling design. The Decanthropy Studio ‘works with executive leadership teams to shift thinking, to establish strategies that embed structural equity throughout organizations and projects.’ Brian Gluckstein, Jackie Kai Ellis and Fernando Laposse were also part of the weekend’s incredible lineup.
Overall, IDS 2023 gave us a peek into the mentality of designers, manufacturers, and consumers as they move into a new year and a new place after such a challenging time. Focusing on the basics, what truly matters, seems to be the most common thread through the industry. Whether it’s about sustainability, equity or transparency, it’s very clear that the design industry is aiming to move in a positive and influential direction.