Countdown to Design Chicago:
October 8-9, 2025 | Floors 1, 6 & 14 | THE MART, Chicago Register Now
A special program celebrating the artistry, craftsmanship, and stories behind exceptional design. In this edition, we’re proud to introduce Alexander Jaber, the next generation of Anees Furniture and Design—a renowned, family-owned furniture company based in Chicago, Illinois. For over 28 years, Anees and his team have been creating bespoke, handcrafted furniture that blends timeless techniques with modern sophistication. Each piece is made locally in their Chicago workshop, where attention to detail, quality materials, and personalized service form the foundation of their work. This isn’t just a behind-the-scenes look—it’s a conversation about what it means to make something by hand in today’s world. You'll hear about Alexander’s journey as a designer and manufacturer, his collaborative approach, and the legacy of craftsmanship that runs through his family business. Whether you're a design enthusiast, industry professional, or simply curious about the people behind the products, Meet the Makers offers a rare and intimate introduction to the creative minds shaping the spaces we live in.
This engaging panel discussion explores how interior designers and their clients are influenced by generational perspectives and preferences. Panelists will examine what motivates designers and clients across different age groups, how generational differences shape design approaches, and how designers tailor their strategies to meet the needs of a diverse client base.
Hosted by: Artistic Tile
A strong digital presence is no longer optional — it's an essential part of building a thriving, recognizable design business. In this conversation, we’ll explore how designers can translate their own unique design POV into a cohesive and compelling online brand. From graphic identity and website design to photography and social media storytelling, this panel dives into the visual tools and strategic thinking required to elevate your digital brand. Learn how to present your work in a way that resonates with clients, builds trust, and ultimately drives growth.
Join Attorney David Adler, a legal expert in interior design practices, for a focused session on strengthening client agreements. He will cover the key legal elements that make a contract enforceable, when and how contracts are formed or amended, and the most important clauses to protect your business. Attendees will also learn practical strategies for handling clients who fail to meet their obligations, ensuring projects stay on track and disputes are minimized.
Hosted by: Inspired Closets
In the Continuing Education program “The Art of Mixed Medium: Designing with Wood + Metal,” John Michael Studio Co-Founder and CEO, Michael Sloan, will guide participants through the evolving craft of integrating contrasting materials within luxury kitchen and interior design. Drawing on his experience as a nationally recognized and certified kitchen designer, Michael will illuminate the artistry behind introducing metal into traditionally wood-dominated environments. This conversation will highlight not only the textural and visual richness that comes from blending mediums, but also the functional advantages that metal surfaces and finishes bring to modern design. Participants will explore how thoughtful applications of stainless steel, brass, and other metals can redefine cabinetry and architectural detailing—creating balance, sophistication, and durability. The course will also address a broader design dialogue: how metal allows for seamless continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces, dissolving boundaries and establishing a unified design language across the entire home. By examining real-world projects and material applications, this course offers insight into bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation—ultimately equipping designers with the tools to craft interiors that feel both timeless and forward-thinking.
Discover how Frank Lloyd Wright’s “architecture of nature” philosophy shaped Fallingwater’s colors and materials. Explore why ochre tones were chosen, how sensory elements guided design, and how these choices still inspire specs today, offering insight you can apply to any project.
Divine Flooring’s IDEA+ is a celebration of design, artistry, and collaboration. Used as a platform for launching new product, IDEA+ enlisted the creative minds of 23 designers and 1 abstract artist from across North America to highlight Divine Flooring's new products using their own concepts, expertise and root of inspiration to create something innovative and beautiful. Join LUXE Interiors + Design Greater Chicago Publisher Kathy Mitchell for an engaging conversation with IDEA+ visionaries: Jasmin Reese of Jasmin Reese Interiors, Reem Hassaballa of Reem's Design and Tannis Marshall of Tannis Marshall Art, who will reveal their inspired custom creations while highlighting the infinite potential of material, texture, and color all in one space.
Join us for an intimate conversation with husband-and-wife architecture and design team Rafe Churchill and Heide Hendricks, hosted by House of Rohl, a brand that celebrates the artistry and heritage of timeless design. The duo will share their design philosophy, their journey to publishing multiple books with Rizzoli, and a new venture breathing life into historic structures. A book signing will follow the conversation. The first 75 guests to arrive will receive a complimentary copy of Hendricks Churchill’s latest release.
Shea Soucie and Martin Horner of Soucie Horner Design Collective share the highs, lows, and laughs from 25 years of running a design studio together- nothing’s off the table in this candid conversation.
The evolution of performance textiles for residential use has been rapid and expansive. Design professionals seeking to specify these fabrics to add value and longevity to their projects need to keep abreast of new innovations in the technology.
Hosted by: Pindler
Join Scott Group Studio, Amhad Freeman, and Aspire Design and Home for an exclusive look into the artistry and innovation behind their newest collaborative rug collection. Inspired by the fluid beauty of water, the collection unites Amhad Freeman’s vision with Scott Group Studio’s craftsmanship, resulting in custom designs of striking elegance. Through a guided conversation, Aspire Design and Home and Amhad Freeman will reveal the creative journey—unfolding inspiration, collaboration, and the transformation of ideas into luxury carpets. Experience the collection up close, discover the craft behind custom rug design, and spark new inspiration for your own projects.
Hosted by: Scott Group Studio
Design is about creating an emotional connection in the perfect space. Our panel discusses how they craft intimate, thoughtful, and comfortable interiors for their clients, with luxe materials, bespoke furnishings, and creative solutions.
Hosted by: Baker | McGuire
Join us as we explore how to identify a paint color’s undertone, and how to work with it and not against it to create a cohesive, harmonious design. Discover the various factors that affect undertones and how a paint color casts in a space. Throughout our discussion, we will explore the beauty of undertones, focusing on ways to lean into their ability to enhance our designs. By understanding the interdependence between a paint color and its surroundings, we can learn to appreciate the dynamic qualities of color.
Hosted by: Benjamin Moore
A home doesn’t begin and end within its walls. This session explores how seamless indoor/outdoor design, through palettes, finishes, and sculptural furnishings, creates a deeper sense of home while also opening new opportunities for client engagement and business growth.
A book club where no one has to read the book. Join The Table Read, a live panel and tasting experience inspired by Sixtysix Magazine. Enjoy cocktails, pastries, and design insights from Chicago’s top designers plus a fully styled table installation you won’t want to leave.
For centuries, stone has been a hallmark of beautiful and functional design — and it continues to create endless opportunities as the perfect statement-making canvas. Join designer Leah Bolger and architect Justin Bucy for a discussion on ways to thoughtfully utilize this sustainable, versatile, multifaceted material in its many forms.
Join us for a special event with lighting designer and sculptor Ted Bradley, known for his breathtaking porcelain light sculptures and commitment to American-made artisan craft. In a rare, behind-the-scenes presentation, Ted will deconstruct and reconstruct one of his signature pieces live, walking us through the meticulous process behind his work—from raw materials to final form. This event is more than a demonstration—it's a conversation about why craftsmanship matters, especially in today’s design world. We’ll explore what it means to make objects with soul, intention, and lasting value, and why investing in handcrafted, American-made work is more relevant than ever
Art isn’t just an accessory — it’s a catalyst for storytelling, atmosphere, and emotional depth in the home. In this dynamic panel discussion, discover how top designers and artists are reimagining the role of fine art in residential interiors — and how meaningful and intentional collaboration between the two disciplines transforms spaces and elevates every detail. Whether it’s curating a thoughtful collection or commissioning original work, successful partnerships between artists and designers open the door to creative possibilities far beyond aesthetics. These collaborations build trust, spark innovation, and ultimately shape environments that feel both intentional and deeply personal. Moderated by Art For Life Chicago Co-Chair and local artist Darren Jones, this conversation explores the power of creative synergy — where every detail contributes to the story of a space, and every partnership pushes the boundaries of design. Join us to explore how collaboration isn’t just a process — it’s a design philosophy. Let’s talk art!
Quality, creativity, client-care are core values of many design firms, but the keenest ones — like Michigan’s Jean Stoffer Design — go beyond that, using a heart-led approach that fuels everything they touch. Learn from Jean, her marketing director (and son!) John Stoffer, and moderator, journalist Sophie Donelson how authenticity and point of view will transform the next chapter of your business.
How do you help homeowners choose the right stone, prepare for installation, and look toward the future? Achieving the beautiful, natural look of stone for clients means answering all these questions and more. So we're bringing together experts in design and home building for a helpful primer on keeping the process moving smoothly—and how the Buechel team can help at each step along the way.
Luxurious Simplicity: Liaigre's elegance for refined details are brought to life with clean lines and perfect proportions available in the finest materials- wood, bronze, leather. Designs that seduce a clientele wanting to live in contemporary interiors as well as holding on to the excellency of the French furnishings tradition. Liaigre gives prominence to high quality know-how: cabinet making, saddlery, bronze making, lacquering. These creations are concerned with well-being. Liaigre proposes more than just furniture: it is a way of living in time. Come experience the beauty that is Liaigre.
Join Galerie Editor in Chief Jacqueline Terrebonne for a conversation with leading artisans and design experts on the enduring value of handcrafted works. Discover what makes a piece worth investing in, the artistry behind modern heirlooms, and why true craftsmanship always stands the test of time.
Join us as we discuss why designers are driven to heritage brands like Vanguard. Why the role of resources like J. Marshall are crucial to designers and the knowledge of J. Marshall along with its partnership with Vanguard. Special guest Amy Storm will also share her personal Vanguard journey.
Hosted by: J. Marshall Design
Our course will discuss the environment of the future and the importance of sustainability as it relates to new home construction, with a focus on the kitchen. Discussions will include information on sustainable materials, manufacturing, operation and after-life standards. The course will review specification details that might impact the future of a build, including ADA and wellness considerations.
Join Chad Stark, Laura Tribbett, and Gil Melott as they share candid stories of business missteps that became powerful lessons in resilience, growth, and creative leadership.
Hosted by: STARK
In this panel, founders from three leading firms share how they approach collaboration across every layer of their business — from internal team structure to external partnerships with contractors, showrooms, and manufacturers. Learn how they foster creative alignment, work effectively with trade partners, and build trust that lasts. After the event, please join us for a champagne toast celebrating 30 years of C.A.I. Designs in The Mart!
Benton buckley books presents The Authentic Voices Speaker Series at the DEDON & Gloster Showroom. Join designers Jennifer Garrigues, Jasmin Reese, and Sharlene Young in conversation—moderated by publisher Beth Buckley. These dynamic voices will illuminate the intersection of storytelling and space, artistry and authenticity.
Join us for a lively panel discussion that explores the enduring influence of historical design and architectural precedents on both new construction and older homes in need of renovation. This event brings together leading designers and builders in this space to discuss how the past continues to mold and inspire the spaces we create today.
Join us as we celebrate the launch of the Morris & Co. x The Huntington collection, The Unfinished Works, featuring archival artworks from The Huntington’s library, completed by the Morris & Co. studio. Mark Millmore, Director of Retail at The Huntington, Melinda Watt from The Art Institute, and Scott Christopher Hans, Senior Vice President of Sales, North America Sanderson Design Group, discuss these newly completed designs originally sketched by William Morris and his protégé, John Henry Dearle.
Colormix® Anthology Volume Two is our biennial report on the color families that our experts predict will define residential design in 2026 and beyond. Dive deep into every nuance of these exceptional hues of the 2026 color forecast, and see them expressed across a multitude of coatings.
Hosted by: Sherwin-Williams
These are unprecedented times! One where there is more change building outside of your organization than in it. And a relentless pace of uncertainty that can radically impact your ability to grow your organization and keep your team motivated. The only guarantee you have is this: more change is coming. And if you’re not prepared — if you don’t have a plan — then research proves this level of uncertainty will negatively impact your ability to drive innovation, attract top talent and achieve bottom-line results. While uncertainty can seem daunting, the truth is uncertainty has an upside — it always has an upside. In fact, it can be your greatest asset to thrive, grow and turn disruption into opportunity. But you need a plan, a strategy, and the research that shows the precise path you must follow to turn disruption into opportunity.
Hosted by: Wood-Mode
Edward Fields Carpet Makers invites you to the premiere of The Fifth Wall: The Edward Fields Story, a documentary exploring the brand’s legacy in American design since 1935. Join us for an exclusive screening, followed by a cocktail reception in celebration of Edward Fields’ 90th anniversary.
Hosted by: Tai Ping | Edward Fields
We’ll take you on a journey that begins in 1927, the year when movies with sound were born, to present day home theater capabilities and how it has evolved into a true luxury cinematic experience. Come in for a demonstration that will wow your senses!
This course explores today’s top kitchen design trends and innovations. Learn about the newest innovations such as hidden cooktops, porcelain counters and cabinets, outdoor cabinets and functional accessories. These new features are shaping performance, durability, and accessibility.
Join us at the Ann Sacks showroom during Design Chicago for an inspiring conversation on designing spaces for ultimate wellness. Our panel will feature four experts—a residential designer, commercial designer, landscape designer, and an integrated wellness coach and yoga & meditation instructor—offering a holistic perspective on how to bring wellness into every environment. Discover how KLAFS, the global leader in luxury sauna and spa solutions, is redefining personal well-being in both residential and commercial spaces. Plus, experience a KLAFS sauna firsthand—one of our saunas will be on display for guests to tour in person. Light refreshments provided.
Attendees will learn 1) the different legal bases for protecting aspects of original design, 2) the types of legal risk of copying misappropriating a design, 3) the steps designers and manufacturers can take to protect their original designs, and 4) the consequences, economic and otherwise, of knock-offs for the home furnishings industry.
Hosted by: Inspired Closets
Colormix® Anthology Volume Two is our biennial report on the color families that our experts predict will define residential design in 2026 and beyond. Dive deep into every nuance of these exceptional hues of the 2026 color forecast, and see them expressed across a multitude of coatings.
Hosted by: Sherwin-Williams
This course explores the trend of Resi-Mercial design, which blends residential-like and commercial elements to create functional and stylish spaces. The course will cover how residential appliances are used in settings like offices, hotels, retail, healthcare, and senior living to improve comfort and end-user experience. The course also looks at important factors like power needs, customization, and how to seamlessly fit these appliances into commercial settings. Finally, it provides guidance on when to use Resi-Mercial appliances, highlighting best uses for them and where they may not be suitable.
This course examines the limitations of traditional residential lighting strategies and explores the impact that proper illumination has on creating healthier environments. Learn how to differentiate architectural, decorative, and shading strategies, and explore how elements like glare, color, dimming, and automation affect lighting and shading.
Both interior design and product design often involve creative compromise, whether working around a family heirloom or existing design element, or refreshing an historic design or pattern with new elements to create something modern and new. Join us for a refreshing conversation with top designers about how to inject new life into any project.
Join us as we celebrate the 80th anniversay of Sub-Zero refrigeration with a visual history of enduring design, "how-to" insider insight earning global recogition through our designer-exclusive contest, and how your work can be published in our national magazine.
Hear from Thibaut’s design studio on their inspiration and product development process for the brand’s debut collection of modern wallcovering and fabrics, Yutori. Following the presentation, join the designers in Thibaut’s showroom, Suite #6-129 for a lunch reception.
Hosted by: Thibaut
Presented in collaboration with the Chicago-Midwest Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA), this panel explores how time-honored design principles continue to shape today’s interiors, architecture, and landscapes. Industry leaders Brandon Ingram (C. Brandon Ingram Design), Geoff Valentino (Hollander Design Landscape Architects), and Mara Miller (Carrier and Company Interiors) will discuss the enduring relevance of classical motifs, proportion, and craftsmanship and how these elements are being reimagined for modern living. Moderated by Scott Fortman, Principal of Fortman, Peterson & Associates and current Chicago ICAA Board Member (former President), the conversation will examine the harmony between heritage and innovation, offering insight into how tradition and modernity can coexist in beautifully executed, meaningful ways.
Hosted by: TUUCI
What if your next big marketing idea was powered by real data—not guesswork? In this session, Maggie Swift of Unframed Digital shows residential interior designers how to use Google Analytics to understand their audience, track what’s working, and make smarter marketing decisions that fuel real growth.
Forward-thinking firms are bringing the warmth and detail of residential design to boutique hospitality and commercial spaces — expanding creatively without losing their core identity. Four leading studios share how business, sourcing, and storytelling unite across project types, showing why commercial spaces often draw from home.
Laurel Feldman founder of Laurel Feldman Interiors Inc., as well as fine art photographer will present why and how art is critical to designing a space. She will give ways to keep up with the art scene and suggest how and where to buy art for a client. There will be a discussion and question period after the presentation.
In this workshop, Laura Umansky—founder of Laura U Design Collective and cofounder of DesignDash—shares a proven framework to help interior designers identify the work that drives the most impact and hire a talented team to tackle the rest. You’ll learn how to: - Discover your Best Focus as the owner of your design firm - Let go of the tasks that hold you back (even the ones you're good at!) - Hire strategically based on your unique strengths - Build a business that supports your creativity, growth, and lifestyle This session is perfect for interior designers who are ready to grow their business by stepping into their role as visionary—not bottleneck.
Sustainable design principles are transforming residential spaces. From eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems to water conservation and smart technology, sustainability in the home blends comfort, style, and environmental responsibility for a healthier way of living.
Discover standout case studies of luxury kitchens featuring Galley Workstations. Each case highlights a benefit of incorporating a Workstation ecosystem in the kitchen.
Hosted by: The Galley
Join Shea Soucie and Martin Horner of Soucie Horner Design Collective as they reveal how to transform your bedroom into a haven of beauty and restoration. With their distinct design sensibilities, they’ll artfully demonstrate the layered elegance of a well-made bed and share timeless ways to cultivate your own private sanctuary.
Join us for the Chicago debut of Rose Uniacke's furniture and lighting collection at The Mart! Hobnob with Melissa Corfield, Christopher Johnstone, and Alice Cooper from Rose Uniacke's Pimlico Road Showroom in London whilst sipping tea and nibbling on biscuits and cucumber sandwiches. Rose Uniacke is a designer celebrated for her refined furniture collections, blending classical forms with contemporary simplicity. Through Rose Uniacke Editions, she creates timeless pieces rooted in craftsmanship and materiality, complemented by her fabric, paint, and antique offerings — all reflecting her signature, quietly luxurious aesthetic.
Join renowned interior designer Alfredo Paredes, former Chief Creative Officer of Ralph Lauren and the creative force behind iconic spaces like the Polo Bar, in conversation with Tereasa Surratt, owner and proprietor of the celebrated Camp Wandawega. Paredes will share insights from his three-decade career crafting immersive retail environments and restaurants worldwide, while offering a glimpse into his upcoming Cocuyo fabric collection for Kravet Couture—a richly textured exploration of modern luxury rooted in his Spanish heritage. This conversation will explore how personal history, global influences, and artisanal craftsmanship come together to create spaces that feel both worldly and deeply personal. Following the presentation, join Alfredo in the Kravet Showroom for a meet and greet and book signing in Suite 6-121.
Hosted by: Kravet
Designers and homeowners want to create kitchens that look and function like new for as long as possible; choosing the right appliances is essential in achieving that goal. In this exclusive discussion with design and industry experts, we’ll look at the art of creating high-function kitchen and laundry spaces that last. And through the lens of Miele’s extraordinary pieces for the home, we’ll talk about making choices that produce perfect results for longer by combining fresh technology and enduring design—using pieces that are built to last and are part of the global movement toward sustainability.
Clients don’t always say what they mean, and what they want often changes mid-project. In this honest (and funny) conversation, designers share what it’s really like to work with clients: decoding vague inspiration, managing shifting expectations, and bridging the gap between Pinterest dreams and real-world budgets.
Your competitive edge starts with smarter design. Join Chad Stark, James Dolenc & Tom Riker of James Thomas Interior as they discuss how AI is transforming the interior design landscape.
Hosted by: STARK Carpet
Participants will learn about stone as they make their own tiny checkerboard coasters. You will learn: - Properties of Stone - Origins and History - Possibilites with projects for stone
Hosted by: Ann Sacks
This interactive session is for any designer curious about how to transform themselves from research-informed designer to design-informed researcher within the context of their own lived and professional experience. Presenter will outline research basics: composing a research question, the role of theory, types of data, information gathering methods, along with data reduction, analysis, and representation of findings. We will then explore how designers’ skills align with the scientific method. Attendees will have the chance to brainstorm and share ideas for studies related to their own interests in design.
Hosted by: ASID
The home is a refuge, a retreat, a place of personal zen. Achieving such a state of harmony increasingly relies on materials and patterns that incorporate natural themes in compelling and beautiful ways. Join us for a discussion of the methods and materials designers employ to create environments that speak to the beauty of the natural world and its ability to help us unwind and recharge.
In today's world, we look to our homes more than ever as oases of calm and relaxation. Join us as we explore how designers can create environments, products, and systems that prioritize well-being and create feelings of happiness, relaxation, peace and inspiration.
It’s time to update your approach to sales — from how you get through the door — to how you get the deal to close. It’s challenging out there: A challenge to get above the white noise. A challenge to get to the decision-makers. A challenge to stand out from the competition. And a challenge to stay motivated. Sales has gone through a major disruption. If you’re still using traditional techniques, then you’re making sales so much harder than it has to be. You need to transform how you attract clients – build your reputation – engage with the marketplace – and get results. Join us for this high-energy, highly interactive, and high-powered keynote where business growth strategist and keynote speaker Meridith Elliott Powell shares the innovative techniques you need to dominate, differentiate and deliver!
Hosted by: Wood-Mode
Designers will be encouraged to bring their personal laptop or iPad to participate. Through the presentation, they will follow along and play along with our guidance on utilizing our website tool to create a custom rug. At the end, they will have their idea developed and can save it by PDF onto their device to play with more at home or present to their client. - Understanding the difference between modifying a rug and truly customizing a one-of-a-kind piece for your client. - What goes into a fully custom rug? What are your options? How do you make decisions with your vendor rep? - Understanding the different constructions of performance rugs and deciding what is best for your project.
Hosted by: David Sutherland
Luxury interiors are defined by the details—the textures, proportions, and artistry that can only be achieved through collaboration with master makers. In this panel, moderator Jennie Bishop of Bishop Studio leads a conversation with designers Nicholas Moriarty, Amhad Freeman, Elizabeth Taich, and Interior Crafts’s own Emily Ursini to explore how custom upholstery and bespoke furniture elevate a project from beautifully designed to truly extraordinary. The discussion highlights the art of designing for individuality: integrating handcrafted elements, selecting materials with intention, and partnering with artisans to bring unique visions to life. Panelists will also share how today’s discerning clients value the story and authenticity of bespoke pieces—and why true craftsmanship has become a powerful differentiator in a world saturated with mass-market offerings. Join us for an inspiring conversation on the future of custom design—where timeless quality, artistry, and innovation intersect to create interiors of lasting impact.
In an era defined by speed, disruption, and algorithm-driven influence, what does it mean to build something that lasts? Today’s shifting marketplace demands that designers adapt to global forces—from tariffs to the rise of AI—while remaining rooted in creative integrity. Join leading voices in design—Daniele Busca and Alisha Serras of Scavolini, alongside Julie Jordan Laux, Owner and Creative Director J. Jordan Homes and Brynn Olson Golden, Owner & Principal Designer of Brynn Olson Design Group—as they reflect on what it takes to preserve a brand’s identity while staying responsive to the future. Bridging generations and disciplines, this panel will explore the tension between heritage and innovation—and what enduring influence truly looks like in a rapidly evolving world.
