Header: Photo by Curology
Every year, we find ourselves looking for stuff to do: concerts, movie premieres, gallery openings, or the occasional holiday to a beautiful spot worldwide. But as design lovers, we are also on the lookout for the next big thing in the industry, and that’s exactly what festivals and fairs are for.
2024 was full of innovation and creativity, and 2025 is set to be the same or better, as next year’s interior design calendar is full of events that will most definitely define industry trends and bring together professionals from around the world. From global fairs to regional festivals, 2025 will provide professionals and the public with platforms to explore design across various disciplines.
So, whether you’re looking to connect with leading designers, discover new talent, or stay updated on the latest developments, we have the perfect list. Below is a curated list of the must-attend events to help you plan out your year—thank us later.
1. Maison&Objet
Where? Paris, France
When? January 16 – 20 and September 4 – 8
Maison&Objet is one of our personal favourites, we even had to make an appearance this year, and it was oh so interesting. We are sure that 2025’s editions will be no different, so mark your calendars and get ready to attend the first edition, taking place from January 16 to 20, and the second one from September 4 to 8, both hosted at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre. The January event will focus on the theme “Sur/Reality”, which explores contemporary surrealism through fantasy, distortion, randomness, and humour.
Visitors will be able to visit Faye Toogood‘s installation titled “Womanifesto,” who is this year’s chosen Designer of the Year, and three “What’s New?” spaces: François Delclaux will curate “In Retail”, showcasing innovative merchandising; Elizabeth Leriche’s “In Decor” will highlight future-defining colors and materials; and “In Hospitality”, designed by Uchronia, will focus on unique concepts for hospitality spaces. The January edition will also host the Rising Talent Awards, celebrating seven emerging designers from Korea, and offer a series of talks and workshops addressing topics like hospitality and retail design.
The September edition will probably keep January’s momentum going, as it normally does, introducing fresh themes, projects, and exhibitions. While specific details for the fall program are yet to be announced, the event will surely showcase the latest in design with exhibitions, talks, and workshops. Running concurrently with both editions, Maison&Objet In The City will provide a curated route through 100 Parisian locations, presenting decorators, interior designers, galleries, and artisans.
2. Salone del Mobile
Where? Milan, Italy
When? April 8 – 13
This year’s Salone del Mobile, the festival’s 63rd edition, is set to take place from April 8 to 13 at Fiera Milano Rho, and we couldn’t be more excited. As the central event of Milan Design Week, the fair will present an immense array of furniture and interior designs from both global brands and emerging talents, but there is some incredible news to be shared: the return of EuroLuce. In addition to the core exhibitions, the biennial lighting exhibition will explore the intersections of light, architecture, and well-being through conferences, round tables, and workshops. The confirmed speakers include Robert Wilson, DRIFT, A.J. Weissbard, Marjan van Aubel, and Kaoru Mende, who will discuss topics ranging from lighting design to urban light applications.
Salone del Mobile will extend its magic across Milan with events and installations in cultural institutions and public spaces, as it normally does. Robert Wilson will debut “Mother”, an installation at the Museo Pietà Rondanini – Castello Sforzesco, inspired by Michelangelo’s Pietà Rondanini and accompanied by live performances of Arvo Pärt’s “Stabat Mater”. Salone will also launch its “Thought for Humans” communication campaign, created by Bill Durgin, which explores the relationship between the human form, materials, and design. Salone del Mobile is one of the main platforms for interior designers to share their visions and to network, and this year’s edition will be no different.
3. International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF)
Where? New York City, USA
When? May 18 – 20
The International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) will happen from May 18 to 20 at the Javits Center, in New York City, and it is expected to attract over 450 established and emerging brands from more than 35 countries. This event is known worldwide for being the go-to platform for contemporary furnishing design, be it for residential or hospitality spaces, and greatly fosters an environment based on sustainability and originality.
Attendees, including architects, interior designers, retailers, distributors, and developers, can explore close to everything in this fair: furniture, lighting, seating, outdoor pieces, kitchen and bath items, wall coverings, textiles, carpets, flooring, and materials—you name it. Apart from exhibitions, the event also includes the ICFF Talks, a series of panel sessions, keynote presentations, and intimate conversations led by prestigious industry figures who give their opinions about current trends and innovations.
4. NYCxDesign
Where? New York City, USA
When? May 15 – 21
NYCxDESIGN will continue celebrating design across New York City, scheduled from May 15 to 21, this year under the leadership of Executive Director Ilene Shaw and with a close partnership with the aforementioned International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF). The event will include the Design Pavilion installations, which offer experiences for locals and visitors and will welcome over 200,000 attendees laid across 31 neighborhoods, maintaining its promise to engage New York’s creative community while featuring international design talents.
Attendees can expect diverse activities, including exhibitions, trade shows, talks, and tours that span architecture, interior design, industrial design, and technology’s role in the field. The NYCxDESIGN Keynote series, first launched in 2024, will return with daily discussions at venues like the Museum of Modern Art, and programs such as the Emerging Designer Residency and the Student Graduate Portfolio Showcase will also continue, supporting new and under-represented voices in the design industry.
5. London Design Festival
Where? London, UK
When? September 13 – 21
The London Design Festival (LDF) will celebrate its 23rd edition from September 13 to 21 in London, of course, bringing together designers, practitioners, retailers, and educators for an international celebration of design. The festival will hold various events, including exhibitions, installations, and talks, all spread across various districts of London.
Alongside the festival, London will also host the World Design Congress on September 9 and 10 at the Barbican Centre, marking its return to the city since 1969. The congress aims to address global challenges through sustainable design solutions and will feature a range of disciplines, including architecture, communications, and transport design. Both these events mean that September will make busy London even busier, and design lovers from all over the globe couldn’t be happier.
6. IMM Cologne
Where? Cologne, Germany
When? January 12 – 16
The IMM Cologne will take place from January 12 to 16 at the Koelnmesse Exhibition Centre in Cologne, Germany, welcoming the global interior design industry and pushing professionals to showcase and explore the latest trends and innovations in furniture and interior design. The theme of this edition is “Connecting Communities”, which emphasises the importance of networking and collaborating within the industry to achieve what we all look for: innovation.
One of the highlights of the event is “The Circles”, a trade fair concept that combines design presentations, networking areas, and studios with engaging discussions, giving visitors and exhibitors the chance to connect and share ideas with one another.
7. Design Shanghai
Where? Shanghai, China
When? June 4 to 7
Design Shanghai will take place from June 4 to 7 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center. This event, known as Asia’s leading international design event, aims to explore the relationship between Eastern and Western design philosophies across four distinct halls: Furniture & Lighting, Kitchen & Bathroom Design, Living & Lifestyle, and New Materials & Applications.
Visitors will enjoy innovative installations, a design forum, and networking opportunities. One of the highlights of this event is the Design Shanghai Global Design Conference, which will debut with the theme “Design for Humanity”, focusing on how design can help shape the future of society. Furthermore, the new Design Shanghai Collectible Exhibition will showcase limited edition artworks and designs, acting as the perfect detour for Design Shanghai’s visitors, as they’ll both happen at the same time.
8. Clerkenwell Design Week
Where? London, UK
When? May 20 – 22
Clerkenwell Design Week will be held in London‘s Clerkenwell from May 20 to 22, a district known for its concentration of creative businesses and studios. This event will be home to over 600 events, including showroom displays, curated exhibitions, and interactive installations featuring leading international and UK-based brands alongside emerging talents. Each exhibition venue within the EC1 area will explore different facets of design, creating a diverse and engaging experience for visitors.
In addition to the exhibitions, Clerkenwell Design Week will host a program of talks and workshops addressing key industry themes, all while integrating the local community by using public spaces and partnering with restaurants, bars, and shops.
9. Stockholm Furniture and Design Fair
Where? Stockholm, Sweden
When? February 4 to 8
The Stockholm Furniture and Design Fair will take place from February 4 to 8 at Stockholmsmässan in Älvsjö, Sweden, and it is the country’s central platform for Scandinavian and international furniture and lighting design. This year’s Guest of Honour, British designer, and artist Faye Toogood, will present “MANUFACTURE,” an installation that explores the role of craftsmanship in the current design scene. Finnish textile artist Kustaa Saksi was named Guest Creative, having lent a bit of her unique visual identity, inspired by the design process, to the event.
Visitors will be given the chance to dwell for how long they want in the works of several international artists, from established Swedish and global brands to emerging talents featured in the Greenhouse section. Sustainability and material innovation are this year’s focal points and can be explored in design bars by Fyra, Emma Olbers, and All Matters Studio, alongside the newly introduced “Industry Talks”, which will address everything-innovation and circular transition.
10. Dutch Design Week
Where? Eindhoven, The Netherlands
When? October 18 – 26
The Dutch Design Week (DDW) is scheduled to take place in Eindhoven from October 18 to 26 and, as Northern Europe’s largest design event, will showcase the work of over 2,600 designers across more than 110 locations throughout the city. Here, the design of the future will be in the spotlight, with innovation, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration as stars. To explore this, visitors will be presented with a wide range of exhibitions, lectures, award ceremonies, and networking events, all aimed at highlighting how designers are shaping tomorrow’s world.
A central feature of DDW is its strives to address pressing social and environmental challenges through five mission-driven themes: Thriving Planet, Living Environment, Digital Futures, Health & Wellbeing, and Equal Society. These themes guide the curation of projects and discussions throughout the week, welcoming the sharing of diverse perspectives and pushing the boundaries of design’s role in society.
