The Interior Design Show annually highlights the best in Canadian and global design, from emerging designers to legacy brands, and everything in between.
St. Clair College first, second and third-year Interior Design students made the trip to Toronto in January for a first-hand look and hands-on experience at the world-renowned show.
St. Clair College Interior Design students visit the IDS25 show in Toronto on Jan. 25, 2025. (Tricia King/St. Clair College)
Students were immersed in the world of the latest interior design and construction products and companies, said Interior Design program coordinator, Tricia King. The show was bursting at the seams with 250 unique vendors showing off the latest products and technology from sustainable housing to lighting, appliances, surface materials and so much more.
"Visiting IDS25 is an amazing experience for our Interior Design students. It allows them a window into the world of Interior Design that can only be imagined outside the classroom," said King.
"Experiential learning gives the Interior Design students an opportunity to create with 'realness,' King said.
The students in attendance called it an inspiring, fun-filled day with a few celebrity designer meetings along the way.
St. Clair student Megan Armaly said her personal experience at the show was especially useful to her future endeavours in the profession.
"Being able to attend an event that showcases new and upcoming technology that is being introduced is a great asset to my projects that I am currently working on in my classes," Armaly said. "There were multiple companies such as Keilhauer and Ico that I will definitely be including in my designs."
Another great aspect of attending the Interior Design Show was being able to talk with representatives from companies in the industry, learning more about their day-to-day work and processes, Armaly said.
"Graduating college and going out into the work industry can be stressful but being able to talk to people with experience really helped me destress and become excited for my future," she said.
The day concluded with the students enjoying some great eats and a tour of Toronto's fine architecture and transit systems.
"The Interior Design Show is one of the trips I always looked forward to. It was a great experience, and I plan on attending shows in the future after I finish my studies as well," said Armaly. "Our professors are always finding events for us to attend to extend our skills and knowledge, and I am very thankful for that."
"It makes a big difference."
