9 Interesting Things We Saw at the Toronto Interior Design Show 2026

IDS 2026

The Interior Design Show (IDS) this past February was full of great ideas, new materials, and some thoughtful product improvements that homeowners should definitely be aware of.

As someone who is constantly looking for ways to improve both design and performance for our clients, I always walk the show floor with a practical lens:

👉 What actually works in real homes?
👉 What solves real client frustrations?
👉 What elevates the finished result?

Here are nine things that really caught my eye this year.

1. Gunmetal Faucets & Coordinated Sink Details – Vogt (Mississauga)

One of our long-standing trusted suppliers, Vogt in Mississauga, showcased a beautiful gunmetal faucet finish that is gaining traction.

What stood out:

• Rich, modern tone (softer than matte black)
• Works well in both contemporary and transitional spaces
• Matching sink strainers available in coordinated finishes
• Strong overall design cohesion

Why it matters for homeowners:
The small details — like matching strainers — are what separate a custom look from a pieced-together one.

2. Designer Grab Bars That Don’t Look Institutional

Vogt also displayed some excellent decorative grab bar options, and this is an area we continue to see growing interest in.

As a Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP), I always encourage clients to think ahead about safety — but the key is doing it without sacrificing design.

Benefits:

• Improved safety in showers and bathrooms
• Finishes that match faucets and accessories
• Look more like towel bars than medical equipment
• Ideal for aging-in-place planning

This is a smart upgrade more homeowners should consider early in the design process.

3. High-Performance European-Style Windows (WindowStar — Mississauga)

WindowStar featured thermal break aluminum windows and doors with a clean European aesthetic.

Historically, this category has been extremely expensive, but pricing is becoming more competitive.

Why this caught my attention:

• Slimmer modern sightlines
• Strong performance potential
• More accessible pricing than in the past
• Good option for contemporary projects

For the right project, these are definitely worth considering.

4. Benjamin Moore Regal Select — Why Paint Quality Matters

Benjamin Moore reinforced something we often explain to clients: not all paint performs the same.

Many homeowners assume cheaper paint with extra coats will achieve the same result — in reality, it usually doesn’t.

What premium paint delivers:

• Better coverage
• More consistent finish
• Improved durability
• Better long-term value

In finishing stages especially, material quality and labour quality must work together to achieve a truly professional result.

5. Scratch-Resistant Decking

One of the more practical demonstrations at IDS was a scratch-resistant composite decking product.

They literally dragged a key across the surface — and it held up extremely well.NewTechWood (UltraShield): Uses a multi-chromatic poly shell to protect the core from scratches and stains.

Why this matters:

Homeowners frequently complain about:

• Furniture scratches
• Dog claws
• Snow shovels
• General wear over time

This type of product won’t be the lowest cost option, but for high-traffic families, it could be a worthwhile investment.

6. Acoustic Felt Panels That Double as Room Dividers

The FeltKütür acoustic system was particularly interesting because it solves two modern problems at once:

• sound control
• flexible space planning

What makes this useful:

• Helps reduce noise in open-concept homes
• Can act as a temporary room divider
• Can be removed later if needs change
• Clean, modern appearance

With more people working from home, flexible acoustic solutions like this are becoming increasingly relevant.

7. AV Custom Vents — The Detail Most People Overlook

This is one of those small details that makes a big visual difference.

AV Custom Vents offers flush wood vent covers designed to integrate seamlessly into hardwood flooring, creating a much cleaner finished look.

Why we like them:

• Much more refined than standard grilles
• Especially helpful for return air locations
• Blends into high-end flooring installations
• Solves a common sourcing challenge

Often it’s these subtle mechanical details that separate a builder finish from a professionally designed renovation.

8. Sculptural Accent Seating (Ginkgo Chair)

The Ginkgo chair was a great reminder that sometimes one well-chosen furniture piece can elevate an entire room.

Why it stood out:

• Beautiful sculptural form
• Comfortable in real use
• Works as a feature piece
• Adds personality to a space

For clients looking to go beyond standard furniture packages, pieces like this can add real warmth and character.

9. Fern Kids — Thoughtful Canadian Children’s Furniture

Fern Kids, based in Ontario, showcased some very unique children’s furniture pieces.

Why this matters:

• Local Canadian maker
• Design-forward approach
• Smart for growing families
• Adds a lifestyle dimension to home planning

It’s always encouraging to see well-designed products coming from local manufacturers.

Final Thoughts

IDS 2026 reinforced something we see every day in the field:

👉 Performance matters.
👉 Details matter.
👉 And thoughtful product selection makes a real difference.

At Ashton Renovations, we’re constantly evaluating new materials and suppliers so we can guide our clients toward choices that not only look great — but also perform well over time.

If you’re planning a renovation and want help navigating the many product options available today, we’re always happy to start the conversation.

Bonus Trend: Sculptural Bench Seating

Another eye-catching feature at IDS was the sculptural curved bench seating. While these pieces often appear in public or commercial settings, we’re increasingly seeing the design language influence residential spaces as well.

What stood out was the combination of:

• Comfortable, real-world seating
• Strong sculptural presence
• Flexible placement in both indoor and outdoor environments

Curved benches in particular are gaining attention because they create more social, conversational layouts and can be configured in multiple ways depending on the space. Modular bench systems are valued for their versatility and ability to form circular or S-shaped arrangements.

Our takeaway:
These pieces are typically a premium investment, but for the right project they can become a true feature element — especially in entry areas, large family rooms, or outdoor living zones.