Interior Design Show returns to Vancouver for 2023, bringing together the interior design community for another immersive, interactive, and action-packed event. Taking place from September 21-24, 2023 at the Vancouver Convention Centre, this year's event convenes designers around the theme of 'Moving Parts: Design for a complex world". Through a series of speakers, features, and exhibitions, IDS Vancouver 2023 will speak to the ever-changing landscape of design and the increasing interconnectedness of the various moving parts of the interior design industry. This guide will showcase some of the LIV Design Studio team's must-visit events & experiences selected from IDS Vancouver 2023's formidable lineup.
Overview of IDS Vancouver 2023
Continuing with a similar in-person format to the 2022 event, IDS Vancouver 2023's programming is a rich mix of experiences designed to provoke thoughtful conversations and immerse designers in the topic of 'Moving Parts' The following is a brief breakdown of what guests can expect to see this year.
Speakers & seminars
A roster of inspiring speakers from across Canada and beyond will offer their perspectives on the ever-changing nature of interior design, embracing each giving their unique perspectives on the state of the industry and its countless moving parts. Attendees can also take part in accredited seminars to broaden their professional knowledge and gain new insight into cutting-edge topics in the world of interior design.
Exhibitions
With over 100 exhibitors across the four-day event, IDS Vancouver 2023 welcomes vendors, suppliers, artists and artisans alike to showcase the latest products, finishes, art and more across a historically expansive trade floor. Local artisans and international makers alike will be on hand to field questions and spotlight the latest trends in interior design.
Features
Each year, IDS curates a selection of inspiring features or 'hot-spots' that speak to inspiring design ideas in creative new formats. This year, attendees can view new & unreleased products, shop for stunning local artwork and goods, and engage, relax & unwind with friends across a variety of different feature experiences.
Selected Features
Prototype
A staple of the IDS program, Prototype is back this year with heightened significance given this year's forward-looking topic. This showcase, taking place within Studio North, provides a platform for emerging designers to showcase new products and ideas that haven't yet hit the market. Expect both conceptual and soon-to-be-released products in this exciting spotlight of cutting-edge innovation.
Love X You VIP Lounge
The LIV Design Studio Team always looks forward to seeing and spending time in the VIP room at IDS events. Having designed both the VIP Lounge at IDS Vancouver 2019 and the Secret Bar at IDS Toronto 2023, we share a special appreciation for these places of respite during a busy weekend of learning & engaging. This year's lounge, titled LovexYou, was designed by Atmospheric Perspective to celebrate the beauty of everyday life by inviting guests to contemplate the things they cherish most. Using a translucent mesh web of foraged plants, LovexYou encourages each person entering to write & affix a love letter to someone special – a truly unique experience that's not to be missed.
Pictured left to right: works from Aksa Abraham for Prototype; Love X You VIP Lounge designed by Atmospheric Perspective – photos courtesy of IDS Vancouver]
Engaging Talks & Seminars from Expert Speakers
Women in Design: Entrepreneurial Leaders
As a woman-run business, the resilience of women in the interior design industry holds special importance to us at LIV Design Studio. Taking place from 2:30-3:30pm on Friday, this seminar, moderated by Annaliesse Kelly of AK Design, will hear from an esteemed panel of speakers on the unique paths they took to become successful entrepreneurs – including education, training, and barriers they had to overcome.
Lighting Designers Illuminate Client Priorities
Also taking place on Friday, from 11:00am-12:00pm, this talk hears from acclaimed local lighting designers Matthew McCormick and Mike Randall on the evolution of lighting design and the present state of their industry. Matthew McCormick was part of a panel of judges for our 2022 Student Challlenge, 'The Future of Work: A Virtual Experience', and we're eager to hear his insights into the creative process and behind-the-scenes of a lighting designer's studio.
Creating Holistic Endurance: The Intersection of Visual Beauty, Utility, and Quality in Design
Much like LIV's TECH/DESIGN/CULTURE approach, this exciting seminar celebrates the profound interconnectedness of various design aspects, and their necessity when creating functional, enduring interiors. This illuminating topic will feature input from a number of acclaimed local designers, and will be moderated by Anicka Quin, editorial director of Western Living Magazine – who was also on the judges' panel at last year's Student Design Challenge.
[Pictured top to bottom: Annaliesse Kelly, Principal at AK Design; Matthew McCormick, Creative Director at Matthew McCormick Studio; Anicka Quin, Editorial Director at Western Living Magazine – photos courtesy of IDS Vancouver]
Noteworthy Exhibitors
Livingspace
Livingspace has been Vancouver's premier purveyor for everything from furniture to lighting since 1988, and the LIV Design Studio team is ecstatic to see what wares they're highlighting at IDS Vancouver 2023. Livingspace carefully curates an expansive collection of modern, unique, and approachable products, priding themselves on providing a customer-centric retail environment that's long been a favourite of the local interior design community. Livingspace also generously hosted the awards ceremony for our 2022 Student Design Challenge.
Tangible Interaction
Groundbreaking design studio Tangible Interaction create, in their own words, "experiences and products that connect and inspire here and now." Intertwining sonic and visual elements, Tangible is renowned for their thought-provoking, interactive art installations that have appeared in destinations around the globe. Founder Alex Beim was also on our panel of judges for our 2022 Student Design Challenge and his innovative work is a must-see among this year's impressive roster of exhibitors.
Vicostone
LIV Design Studio has long admired Vicostone's gorgeous engineered stone countertops, and their impressive products often feature in our works. Their displays at IDS are always worth paying a visit to, as these industry leaders are constantly innovating with new techniques and styles that every interior designer should take in for themselves. Vicostone also generously sponsored our 'The Future of Work: A Virtual Experience' booth at IDS Vancouver 2022.
[Pictured left to right: Livingspace; Tangible Interaction; Vicostone – photos courtesy of IDS Vancouver]
LIV Design Studio's Weekend Pass Giveaway
To give you and a friend unfettered access to this year's proceedings, LIV Design Studio is giving away five pairs of weekend passes to IDS Vancouver 2023. To enter, simply head to LIV Design Studio's Instagram page and follow the steps outlined in the post there.
The LIV Design Studio team is eager to connect and reconnect with friends & colleagues alike at IDS Vancouver 2023, and looks forward to our participation at IDS Toronto 2024, taking place January 18-21. There, visitors will be able to experience and cast their votes for the future of multi-residential patio design as envisioned by the designers of tomorrow, at our 'The Art of Outdoor Living' booth.
[Pictured here: The Future of Work: A virtual Experience booth at IDS Vancouver 2022]
