Beyond the Pacific Northwest: Your Guide to the Year’s Premier Global Design Events

As designers, we are constantly seeking the next wave of inspiration to bring back to our clients. While our own Seattle design scene is thriving, drawing on the energy of the wider design world is essential to keeping our perspectives fresh. London Design Week may be behind us, but the global calendar is just warming up. Whether you are looking for groundbreaking innovation, bespoke artisan craftsmanship, or world-class networking, traveling for inspiration is a powerful way to evolve your practice.I have gathered the key details for the major design events ahead to help you map out your professional development for the remainder of the year.

-Nicole

Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile,Milano

April 21 to 26, 2026

This is the undisputed center of the design industry. Salone del Mobile is the main furniture fair, but the entire city of Milan activates with Fuorisalone—thousands of events, installations, and pop-up showrooms in historic villas and industrial spaces. If you want to spot the newest global color trends, material innovations, and groundbreaking furniture shapes before they hit the market, this is where the journey begins.

Kips Bay Decorator Show House

Palm Beach: February 24 to March 24, 2026 New York: Fall 2026 Dallas: Fall 2026

While many trade fairs are about products, Kips Bay is about the art of interior design. Top designers are given a room to transform with no client restrictions, resulting in a prestigious showcase of highly bespoke and daring design. While the New York edition is the flagship, this incredible showcase can also be seen in Dallas and Palm Beach, offering different regional architectural canvases for designers to transform. Attending the opening events or the Designer Dinner is a masterclass in seeing how masters of the craft use color, texture, and rare art to create immersive experiences.

ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Fair)

May 17 to 19, 2026

Part of NYCxDESIGN, ICFF focuses on contemporary and modern design at the Javits Center in New York. It is an excellent venue for discovering up-and-coming independent designers and smaller boutique brands. I’m particularly looking forward to this year’s show, as I’m hoping to attend with my friend and fellow designer, Flavia. There is nothing quite like navigating the aisles with your girl to spark new ideas! If you are looking for that unique, sculptural piece that your client won't see anywhere else, you are likely to find it here among the 400+ exhibitors.

NeoCon Chicago

June 8 to 10, 2026

Based at The Mart, this is the quintessential show for commercial and contract interior design. While highly relevant for hospitality and workplace designers, residential designers find immense value here as well. Many of the ergonomic innovations, durable textiles, and acoustic solutions seen at NeoCon eventually cross over into residential design. It is also an exceptional event for professional development and networking.

Las Vegas Market (Summer)

July 26 to 30, 2026

For those of us on the West Coast, the Las Vegas Market is a powerhouse of sourcing, held twice a year. It features thousands of brands across furniture, home decor, and art. It is especially known for being the national leader in bedding and home accessories, but for the interior designer, it offers a massive library of upholstery and case goods. I had such a wonderful time connecting with Anne Marie Barton at last July’s market; it’s these moments of shared inspiration that really energize the work we do. The casual and outdoor furniture categories are also a major highlight here, providing plenty of inspiration for our Pacific Northwest deck and patio projects.

Maison&Objet Paris and Paris Design Week

September 10 to 14, 2026

If Milan is about furniture and architecture, Maison&Objet is about lifestyle and decor. It is the ultimate show for sourcing accessories, lighting, textiles, and table art. It is famous for its curated trend spaces that define the aesthetic for the coming seasons. The September edition runs alongside Paris Design Week, which fills the city with gallery shows and showroom open houses, adding an extra layer of Parisian inspiration.

KBIS (Kitchen and Bath Industry Show)

February 2 to 4, 2027

As we look toward the start of next year, KBIS in Las Vegas is the premier destination for the technical side of the home. Co-located with the International Builders’ Show, this event is where you find the latest in smart home technology, luxury appliances, and innovative surfacing. It is a vital stop for designers who specialize in high-end kitchen and bath remodels, offering a first look at the functional engineering that will define the homes of the future.

A Local Perspective

When I bring concepts back from these shows—whether it’s a new texture from a Milanese villa or a unique artisan lighting line discovered in Paris—it allows me to offer my Seattle clients something truly distinctive. Our local aesthetic of warm minimalism is beautiful, but a global accent is what elevates a project from good to world-class.

Which event are you hoping to attend this year? Let me know in the comments below.

-Nicole

Image Credit: Nicole Hopper