The Most Anticipated Global Design Fairs for 2018

As we turn the page and get started on another new year, Homedit is looking forward to a year of exciting new home decor discoveries. A full schedule of global design fairs is on tap, as we scour the main events to bring you the latest new designs and inspiration for making your home stylish and comfortable. From the biggest design events to some smaller regional shows, we work hard to find unique items and creative ideas you can incorporate into your own decor — or just enjoy perusing. Here’s a rundown of the top events 2018 has in store:

Design Miami Art Basel Mirror

Trendset Munich, Germany — January 6-8

Before you start refreshing your home you want know what the trends are going to be and Trendset is the place to find them. “living, dining, leisure, and giving,” you will find the latest products for all of these at this fair, which has a big focus on decor for your home. For the coming spring ad summer, Trendset says you will see earthy colours, lots of natural and recycled textiles, and plenty of green as a statement color. In addition, 3D prints and patterns will be found even in patterns that are nature-inspired.

Green of all shades is expected to be a big trend this year.
Green of all shades is expected to be a big trend this year.

Heimtextil Messe Frankfurt, Germany — January 9-12

The largest international trade fair for professionals in the textile industry, this is the venue to discover new trends in fabric and textiles. Attended designers, decorators, architects, and retailers, the fair showcases new products and trend themes that pros need to know about. With a 2018 focus on urbanization and city living, innovations and color themes will abound, all perfect for city living…and living just about anywhere. The show includes the Theme Park, where you can get a full overview of the trends, analyzed by experts who have identified trend themes.

Textile trends of all kinds will be on display.
Textile trends of all kinds will be on display.

The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) Orlando, Florida — January 9-11

KBIS is North America’s only trade event that focuses on the kitchen and bath market and all the related products. With these two spaces the most important parts of the house, this show is an important one for learning about new technology as well as new products. It also takes place concurrently with the NAHB International Builders’ Show, providing information and experts about the general residential construction market, which is also important in the building and renovation of these home spaces.

All the top brands will be found at KBIS.
All the top brands will be found at KBIS.

IMM Cologne, Germany — January 15-21

As one of the most important global fairs for the furniture market, IMM Cologne starts the year off with a bang, launching some of the first new designs of the year. The stylish, high-end fair sets the tone for the year and gives you a sneak peek at what the new trends will be, including those from up-and-coming designers. Last year’s edition included the Living Kitchen, and the 2018 fair will feature Pure Architects, the new format for innovative room solutions including smart home technologies, bathroom innovations,  flooring products, wall coverings and lighting.

New styles and designs for all rooms are on display at IMM Cologne.
New styles and designs for all rooms are on display at IMM Cologne.

Lightovation Dallas, Texas — January 17-21

A critical element in your home, lighting designers and professional head for Dallas for Lightovation. Considered the “International Home of Lighting,” the Dallas Market Center draws lighting buyers and decorators every January (and June). Brands present innovative products and “the most comprehensive collection of fixed, portable, and trend lighting for residential and commercial projects.” For those interested or working in lighting, it’s another must attend event.

New styles and designs for all rooms are on display at IMM Cologne.
New styles and designs for all rooms are on display at IMM Cologne.

IDS Toronto 2018/Toronto Design Offsite — January 18-21

Next up is Canada and its premiere design show, The International Design Show Toronto. From small makers, to big furniture brands and international kitchen suppliers, the show offers a little bit of everything. It also features artful designs as well as many cutting-edge home technologies. The 2017 show had us captivated with an ethereal lighting display from the Partisans Factory, so we’re very excited to see what 2018 will bring. As in many other locales, the main show has fostered the mushrooming of concurrent design-related events and Toronto is no exception. Toronto Design Week is the unofficial name for Toronto Design Offsite, which encompasses 100 free events, window installations and exhibits  across the city designed to highlight Toronto’s wealth of creativity and draw visitors out of the convention center.

Contemporary designs dominate the offerings at IDS Toronto.
Contemporary designs dominate the offerings at IDS Toronto.

Maison&Objet Paris —  January 28-Feb 1

Back to Europe we go for the not-to-be-missed Maison&Objet in Paris — the show for discovering ever-changing trends and brand offerings for the home. Divvied up into three sections, the show has two new spaces devoted to textiles. Overall, Maison&Objet is one of the leading venues for interior decoration, concept and retail, swell as luxury, design and architecture.

Maison Objet Paris shows some of the most innovative new lighting.
Maison Objet Paris shows some of the most innovative new lighting.

NY NOW — February 4-7

NY NOW is called the Market for Home, Lifestyle + Gift, and Homedit will be there to see everything that’s new. This show is valuable for the breadth of products it presents, including handmade decor items that can lend a unique touch to your home interior. From global creators to local artisans, all are represented in the creative array of offerings.

NY NOW happens twice a year, with the February show having many product launches.
NY NOW happens twice a year, with the February show having many product launches.

Stockholm Design Week/Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair, Sweden — February 5-11

The Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair has spawned Stockholm Design Week, which draws industry members out of the halls and into the city to celebrate Scandinavian design in many ways.  Considered the most important fair for Scandinavian design, lovers of nordic-inspired interiors will not want to miss the many events open to the public. Galleries and showrooms hose parties and events that supplement the main fair that features the latest interior design and lighting innovations for homes and public spaces.

All things Scandinavian will be in the spotlight.
All things Scandinavian will be in the spotlight.

Ambiente Frankfurt, Germany — February 9-13

Housewares, home accents and decor are the draw at Ambiente Frankfurt, where 4,460 companies from 94 countries will present their latest designs. The product groups include dining items, such as tableware, kitchenware and household products, gifts and personal accessories in the Giving area and the Living section encompasses design, furnishings and decor.

From table top items to accessories, all kinds of decor trends can be found.
From table top items to accessories, all kinds of decor trends can be found.

Collective Design New York — March 9-11

This relatively young fair has quickly taken its rightful place as a wonderful event for discovering top design from creative masters and emerging artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. What started out under the umbrella of NYCX Design in May has moved to a stand-alone date in March. More than just a show, the fair focuses on “the design process and the diversity of our material culture, promoting a spirit of discovery.” It’s one we definitely are not going to miss!

This stunning room by Peter Lane is all done in ceramic.
This stunning room by Peter Lane is all done in ceramic.

The Armory Show  —  March 8-11

A very important element of your home decor is the artwork you choose to display, so we always sneak a peek at a few leading art fairs to see what new creations artists are showing. New York City’s Armory Show in March is a wonderful place to peruse works by well-known artists along with up-and-coming talent. In fact, it is  intended to promote new voices in the visual arts. It offers a manageable venue for relaxed browsing to discover what’s new and what appeals to different tastes.  Again in 2018, we’re excited about bring you the latest new creations.

Innovative art like this from the Recycle Group is an important element for the home.
Innovative art like this from the Recycle Group is an important element for the home.

Indonesia International Furniture Expo — March 9-12

The Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX) 2018 is the country’s biggest furniture and export event and in 2018 will focus on the theme of “The Essence of Infinite Innovation.” Products from approximately 500 exhibitors will present the latest designs for rattan, outdoor furniture and home decor. This year’s IFEX has grown from last year and is now considered the international showcase for the country’s furniture industry.

Designs like these are typical of the outdoor styles from this region.
Designs like these are typical of the outdoor styles from this region.

Design Shanghai, China — March 14-17

Asia’s large — and growing population — is hungry for the latest trends and is home to a rapidly growing design community. Hence, Design Shanghai has become Asia’s leading international design event. the large event presents the best global design brands and galleries to an audience of architects, designers, developers, retailers and buyers. The fair is divided into five sections: Contemporary, Classic & Luxury, Collectibles, Kitchen & Bathroom and Workplace.

Luxury designs are in high demand in China.
Luxury designs are in high demand in China.

Architectural Digest Design Show — March 22-25

One of the leading design shows in the US is hosted by Architectural Digest, the grande dame of popular design publications. The show never disappoints for its carefully edited collection of exhibitors.  Small start-ups as well as big brands are included and cover everything from kitchen technology to bath innovations and unique furniture designs. This is always one of the design fairs where we discover exceptionally cool new things. The event also includes DIFFA Dining by Design, which features themed and fantasy dining environments created by designers, all in support of DIFFA, which is Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS.

Unexpected furniture designs like Patrick Weder's console is typical of this show.
Unexpected furniture designs like Patrick Weder’s console is typical of this show.

Salone del Mobile–April 17-22

Always the hottest ticket on the global design schedule, Milan’s Salon del Mobile is the centerpiece to what has become a city full of design-focused events for the entire week. The show itself has more than 2,000 exhibitors and hundreds of thousands of attendees to come to shop the contemporary and luxury designs. Each year, the fair has a focal area and in 2018, the spotlight will again be on the kitchen in EuroCucina. Kitchen design ideas are one of the most sought-after areas, so this section of the show promises to give us plenty of inspiration for new kitchen designs. In addition, FTK – Technology For the Kitchen, will focus on  built-in domestic appliances.

All the world's important brands, like Pedrali, show at Salon del Mobile in Milan.
All the world’s important brands, like Pedrali, show at Salon del Mobile in Milan.

NYCX Design — May 11-23

Another city-wide umbrella designation, NYCX Design highlights all the disciplines of design that New York has to offer, from architecture, lighting, and furniture to engineering and graphics. Events take place across the city’s five boroughs and offer lots of opportunities to not only look and explore great designs, but also to participate in discussion about design and how it enhances and changes our lives.  We’ll be there!

Enitan refurbishes traditional designs in modern textiles.
Enitan refurbishes traditional designs in modern textiles.

ICFF 2018 — May 20-23

The anchor event for New York’s celebration of design is ICFF, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair. After Milan, we think it’s at the top of the list of must-see fairs. Focusing on high end and creative design, the fair is ripe for all kinds of new discoveries as many makers and brands launch new designs at ICFF.  Tens of thousands of designers visit the fair to stock their stores and furnish their clients’ homes, and Homedit will be there right along with them bringing you the newest designs to delight and inspire.

Sleek contemporary designs like these from Bernhardt are characteristic of ICFF.
Sleek contemporary designs like these from Bernhardt are characteristic of ICFF.

NeoCon Chicago — June 11-13

With so much time spent in workplaces, office design has grown in importance and popularity, making NeoCon one of the most highly regarded and attended trade shows in the industry. The show focuses the evolving commercial design and trends. In fact, 2018 is NeoCon’s 50th anniversary as the show for contract, hospitality and commercial or workplace professionals and designers.

Modern offices have really evolved into lighter, brighter designs.
Modern offices have really evolved into lighter, brighter designs.

Las Vegas Market — August 2019

A furniture and design mecca, the Las Vegas Market is housed in two permanent high-rise buildings and boasts more than 5 million square feet of showroom space. Hosted twice each year, Homedit —  along with thousands of retailers and designers — will hit the August market to see what’s new in home furnishings, home decor and lighting. The show also has dedicated space for outdoor brands, so it’s a great place to find the latest pieces for your patio and deck.

Home Accents' dining room is one of countless styles at the Vegas Market.
Home Accents’ dining room is one of countless styles at the Vegas Market.

London Design Festival — September 15-23

In an effort to promote “London as the design capital of the world,” the London Design Festival celebrates British Design with several major shows and a plethora of design events around the city. Amid all the public events are 100% Design and Decorex, both meant for the design trade. Just as in 2016, Homedit will cover the events for you, bringing you the latest innovations from 100% Design, the UK’s largest and longest-running fair for design professionals, and from Decorex, which features the finest luxury products from established brands as well as new talent.

Padhome's hive-like lighting fixtures were on display at 100% Design.
Padhome’s hive-like lighting fixtures were on display at 100% Design.

Biennale Interior Belgium — October 18-22

Lovers of avant-garde and contemporary design head for the Biennial Interior to see the latest global trends. While other shows offer up a mix of old and new, retro and modern, the Belgian event only presents the latest contemporary designs. Presented every two years by a non-profit organizations, the goal “was to encourage a broad public debate, which might lead to the design discipline contributing towards a better world.”

A focus on only the modern distinguishes this show.
A focus on only the modern distinguishes this show.

The Salon Art + Design — November 8-12

A high-caliber show that includes both art and design, The Salon Art + Design New York includes the participation of top galleries from around the world. On display are important new and historical furnishings alongside art from a wide variety of genres. The collections are spectacular and generate a great deal of interest from collectors as well as casual visitors. New one-of-a-kind and limited edition pieces highlight creative innovation and cutting-edge designs.

Modernity Gallery's collection included important works by master designers.
Modernity Gallery’s collection included important works by master designers.

Boutique Design NY — November 11-12

Although its target audience is primarily the hospitality design industry, Boutique Design New York (BDNY) is a prime event for gathering inspiration for home interiors. This is especially true because popular designs often trickle down from the commercial arena to the homed decor realm. The show’s focus is innovation and it never disappoints, with lots of new products and technologies on our list of favorites for the year.

Amtrend’s living room pieces would be stunning in any home.
Amtrend’s living room pieces would be stunning in any home.

Design Miami & Art Basel— December 5-9

While the rest of the world might be winding down for the upcoming holiday period, Miami heats up in early December with thousands of visitors descending upon Miami Beach for Design Miami and Art Basel. As with other major design events, the schedule has sprouted an endless list of concurrent art fairs that offer everything you can imagine — and then some. From the creative home designs and Design Miami to the masterworks and big-ticket art pieces at Art Basel, this is a highlight on the Homedit calendar, with an almost overwhelming array of creative designs and amazing art.

Friedman Benda shows work by rising designers as well as design icons like the Campagna Brothers.
Friedman Benda shows work by rising designers as well as design icons like the Campagna Brothers.