Countdown to Design Chicago:
September 23-24, 2026 | Floors 1, 6 & 14 | THE MART, Chicago
Step into our Signature Suite Masterclass where you’ll receive a hands-on introduction to Tai Ping Carpets and Edward Fields. Learn more about our approach to hand-tufted and hand-knotted products and explore new design styles, fibers, and construction. Whether you’re working on a specific project or looking for fresh design inspiration, this masterclass offers a rare opportunity to experience the artistry behind every rug. Learning Objectives: - Differentiate between hand-tufted vs. hand-knotted carpeting - Determine what type of product is best for your projects - Identify how fiber selection and construction impact a project's durability and design success
Stone plays an integral role in the beauty and functionality of many design projects, yet understanding why stone installations can be so expensive isn't always straightforward. In this session, we'll explore the factors that drive project costs—from material selection and fabrication to installation requirements and design decisions. Along the way, we'll explain how those same factors can affect project timelines. Our goal is to provide the clarity designers need to make informed decisions, set realistic client expectations, and speak confidently about stone installations.
Bedding 101 is an informative and engaging presentation designed specifically for interior designers who want to better understand the world of luxury bed linenns and create beautiful, functional and long lasting bedding ensembles for their clients. While bedding may appear simple at first glance, selecting the right products requires an understanding of materials , construction, sizing, performance and layering-- all of which directly impact comfort, durability, and the finished design.
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Join us for an intimate conversation with acclaimed designer Susan Ferrier. Discover the materiality, artistry, and craftsmanship behind her collection that transforms elemental inspiration into timeless design.
Design is defined by far more than beautiful concepts. It is the art of pushing creative boundaries and bringing a vision to life through flawless execution and meticulous attention to detail. Join Benjamin Moore for an engaging panel discussion with moderator Lauren Corbin, featuring conversations with top interior designers Brooke Lang, Deborah Lund, and Jenny Brown, along with Divinci Painters' Jim Berardi, as they explore the transformative power of paint and sheen in shaping unique interiors. From beautifully painted flat walls and decorative finishes to refined, high-gloss millwork, discover how the collaboration between painter and designer creates interiors finished to perfection.
Luxury lighting is more than aesthetics—it's an investment in craftsmanship, performance, and lasting design. Join three industry experts as they explore the role luxury lighting plays in elevating exceptional interiors, and how bespoke, one-of-a-kind pieces solve design challenges, create focal points, and transform residential spaces.
One-design-fits-all is a thing of the past. So instead of defining ""the ideal kitchen," we've invited one of our favorite design minds to explore the art of creating kitchens that reflect the unique ways people live. From busy family homes and wellness-focused spaces to evolving lifestyles and future-forward innovations, discover how thoughtful design strategies can be tailored to each client's needs. Which solutions create lasting value across a range of lifestyles, and what special features will clients be clamoring for in the next generation of personalized kitchens? Join us to find out."
Join industry leaders for a conversation on the role authenticity plays in building a thriving design business. Through personal stories and real-world insights, explore how finding your voice, shaping your brand, and creating distinctive designs can help you differentiate your work and deepen connections with the clients you serve.
Let's talk cabinet finishes - beyond the usual selections. Join us to see what's new, what's evolving, and explore how custom finishes expand what's possible in cabinetry.
What does it mean to design a home not merely to display art, but to be transformed by it? This panel discussion brings together a distinguished group of creative voices to explore the deeply personal and endlessly nuanced practice of building a residence around an art collection. From museum-quality works that anchor an entire spatial concept to beloved pieces accumulated over a lifetime, great design finds a way to honor both the art and the life lived alongside it.
Discover the artistry behind one of design’s most enduring techniques with Schumacher. After a brief introduction to the craft of hand block printing, guests will get hands-on and create their own block-printed piece to take home. Enjoy light bites and refreshments while exploring a curated selection of Schumacher’s favorite hand-blocked fabrics and wallcoverings, with samples available to take home for a little added inspiration. Learning Objectives: - Learn the art of block printing - History of block printing - How Schumacher uses block printing in our fabrics
Details Coming Soon...
Stone Journal invites you to a cozy chat with Anna Franklin, creative director of The Stone House Collective, and Paul Hagen of aspire design and home. This immersive conversation will explore Anna's recent lakeside retreat project—revealing how thoughtfully selected, natural materials helped shape space that feels timeless, authentic, and connected to its surroundings.
Explore the color and design trends shaping residential and commercial spaces for 2026 and beyond. This course examines how wellness, sustainability and neuro-inclusive design influence timeless interiors, while showing how color can guide movement, define spaces, set a mood and create meaningful experiences.
Before a space tells a story, it creates a feeling. More often than not, beginning with color. As design moves beyond safe, predictable palettes, we're entering a new era of color—one that is more expressive, emotional, and deeply personal. Explore the psychology and science behind color; how designers build moods and confidence around bold choices.
Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove welcome Traditional Home Vice President and Editor-in-Chief Jill Waage and internationally acclaimed designer Mick De Giulio for an inspiring afternoon exploring the evolving role of the modern kitchen. In celebration of De Giulio’s new book, Mick De Giulio: Kitchen First, the two will discuss the book’s central theme: that in today’s home, the kitchen holds the highest position in the design hierarchy – offering rich opportunities for innovation and driving the design for the entire residence. Highlighting projects featured in the book, they’ll explore how this forward-thinking, holistic approach shapes more artful interiors throughout the home. To celebrate the book’s launch, the first 50 attendees will receive a complimentary copy. A reception and book signing with Mick will follow the presentation.
How do you design a space that feels both current and enduring? Hear from four accomplished interior design authorities as they discuss how they balance trends, tradition, and personal details to create spaces that are tailored to their clients and designed to last. Wine and Cheese following the event.
Curated for the discerning designer, The Wood Edit is an immersive, hands-on CEU session held on the floor of Divine Flooring’s showroom — surrounded by the very materials you’ll be learning. Led by Alex, our Custom Shop Manager, this session dives into product knowledge at the source: stain layering, surface texture, and the foundational principles of wood specification — so you walk away with both the confidence to specify with intention, and the vocabulary to bring your vision to life. Learning Objectives: - A grounding overview of species, grain, and engineered vs. solid construction — everything you need to specify with clarity. - Experience live demonstrations showcasing layering techniques and tonal variation across a range of wood species, followed by a hands-on exploration of wire-brushed, hand-scraped, smooth, and distressed finishes to discover how each texture and finish influences the look, feel, and character of a space - Guided time with Divine Flooring’s Custom Shop Manager to explore custom possibilities and ask your specification questions directly.
Join us for an engaging presentation exploring the intersection of innovative materials and exceptional craftsmanship. Bringing together two industry leaders, this event will showcase how collaboration between design, surface innovation, and precision fabrication creates extraordinary spaces. Madeleine Devall of Cosentino, the renowned Spanish architectural surface manufacturer, and Renato Otten of Select Surfaces, one of Chicago's premier stone fabrication specialists, will share their expertise on today's evolving design trends, the latest advancements in architectural surfaces, and the critical role fabrication plays in bringing projects to life. Whether you're an architect, designer, builder, or design enthusiast, you'll gain valuable insight into the innovations shaping the future of high-end residential design.
JR presents a conversation with Iatesta Studio's Matt Quinn and designer Kendall Wilkinson on artisanal design and authentic connection. Gain insight into how a brand-designer relationship evolved into a collaboration and the creative vision behind their debut collection. Enjoy sweet bites & a book signing while exploring the new designs.
What makes a space truly unforgettable? It's more than beautiful furnishings or thoughtful architecture—it's how a space engages all five senses. Join us for an inspiring conversation with our panelists as they explore how sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch come together to create environments that evoke emotion, foster connection, and enhance everyday living. To bring the conversation to life, guests will enjoy a curated tasting of custom artisan chocolates created by a local chocolatier. Each chocolate is designed to engage the senses, offering a delicious complement to the discussion.
Join LUXE Editor in Chief Jill Cohen for a conversation with leaders of family-led design businesses as they explore what it takes to build an enduring legacy while embracing innovation. From shared values to succession and growth, discover how family partnerships continue to shape the future of design.
Every relationship is built on trust, but what happens when it’s tested? Inspired by Chad Stark’s belief that trust is the foundation of lasting relationships, AAPIDA brings together industry leaders to discuss how trust is earned, protected, and restored when the stakes are highest.
Discover a new way to experience Scalamandré's iconic designs by transforming wallpaper into custom-framed artwork. In this hands-on workshop, participants will create a one-of-a-kind art piece while learning about Scalamandré's Made in the USA Quick Ship Wallcovering Program and the versatility of our in-stock designs. Learning Objectives: - Understand the benefits of Scalamandré's Made in the USA Quick Ship Wallcovering Program, including fast availability, domestic production, and dependable lead times. - Explore the breadth of Scalamandré's curated collection of in-stock wallcoverings and discover how these timeless designs can be incorporated into a wide range of interior projects. - Learn creative ways to extend the use of wallcoverings beyond traditional installations, inspiring clients with unique decorative applications and design solutions.
Go beyond the color wheel to explore how perception, material, texture, and context shape the way we experience color. Develop greater color literacy by learning to interpret evolving color trends, use professional color resources, and translate insights into more compelling textile palettes. Presented by Saana Baker, textile designer and founder of The Textile Eye.
What defines “exceptional” today and who sets the standard? As affluent clients become more informed, values driven, and selective, success at the highest level extends far beyond aesthetics alone. This panel convenes leaders across interior design, real estate, and travel to examine how taste is shaped, how trust is built, and how evolving definitions of value are influencing the way people live.
This course explores the future of color through a global trend lens, examining upcoming cultural, technological, and environmental forces shaping design. The course introduces a curated palette of 48 colors alongside key macro drivers influencing color, material, and finish (CMF) decisions across interiors, architecture, and product design.
How do your clients really live, cook, and entertain? Join aspire editor Paul Hagen and SKS Executive Chef Nick Ritchie for an interactive, audience-driven look at modern entertaining. In this lively session, you’ll take center stage to share real-world client hosting scenarios—from cocktail-hour habits to wine-serving rituals. Through fun Q&As, live culinary demonstrations (including sips and light bites!), and designer-focused dialogue, discover how the latest luxury appliances seamlessly integrate into your clients' personal hosting styles, making your next kitchen specification intuitive, expressive and functional.
Success is built through the way we lead, communicate, and influence others each day. In this dynamic keynote, Joe Schmit blends humor, storytelling, and real-world insight to help individuals and organizations unlock the power of intentional impact. Discover how stronger relationships, better communication, and a positive culture can improve performance, strengthen teams, and create lasting results.
Step inside the structure of a hand-woven rug. In this hands-on workshop at STARK Chicago, participants weave on pre-warped peg looms — exploring how tension, interlacement, and color sequencing translate from studio craft to floor-scale specification. Learning Objectives: - Identify the structural relationship between warp and weft and explain how plain weave interlacement creates stable textile fabric. - Apply color sequencing decisions, order, proportion, and transition, to a woven sample, connecting those choices to the rug specification process. - Recognize how tactile variables such as yarn weight, tension, and fringe treatment influence the visual and functional character of a finished textile.
Artisan Electronics Group will be demonstrating fun movie clips in our sensational home theater showroom on the world’s highest-fidelity movie player from Kaleidescape. Kaleidescape’s lossless audio makes your home movie playback sound the way the director intended. The dialogue is clearer, and every subtle sound and rumble draws you deeper into the story. Testimonials from today's most revered directors like Martin Scorcese, Ben Affleck and others swear by this uncompressed, lossless audio technology!
The majority of our clients want to stay in their homes as they age, but the primary reason they cannot age in place is that their homes can no longer sustain them. As the number of older adults continues to grow, interior designers have a unique opportunity and responsibility to understand and promote design solutions that support clients as their needs change over time. This panel discussion, brought by a diverse mix of architects and designers, seeks to inform and inspire interior designers regarding interior design strategies for aging in place. The discussion will include best practices, resources, inspirational images from recent projects, and will provide a take-home aging in place design checklist and resource list.
Step into our Signature Suite Masterclass where you’ll receive a hands-on introduction to Tai Ping Carpets and Edward Fields. Learn more about our approach to hand-tufted and hand-knotted products and explore new design styles, fibers, and construction. Whether you’re working on a specific project or looking for fresh design inspiration, this masterclass offers a rare opportunity to experience the artistry behind every rug. Learning Objectives: - Differentiate between hand-tufted vs. hand-knotted carpeting - Determine what type of product is best for your projects - Identify how fiber selection and construction impact a project's durability and design success
Bedding 101 is an informative and engaging presentation designed specifically for interior designers who want to better understand the world of luxury bed linenns and create beautiful, functional and long lasting bedding ensembles for their clients. While bedding may appear simple at first glance, selecting the right products requires an understanding of materials , construction, sizing, performance and layering-- all of which directly impact comfort, durability, and the finished design.
This course explores the future of color through a global trend lens, examining upcoming cultural, technological, and environmental forces shaping design. The course introduces a curated palette of 48 colors alongside key macro drivers influencing color, material, and finish (CMF) decisions across interiors, architecture, and product design.
Celebrate the launch of wallcovering and fabric collection, Fairhaven, with an exclusive floral arranging workshop led by Thibaut Creative Director, Bill Sorrell. Inspired by the collection’s distinctive color stories and whimisical patterns, Bill will demonstrate how to create beautiful arrangements of every scale while exploring the art of translating interior design into florals. RSVP required. Learning Objectives: - The new Fairhaven collection - How to make beautiful floral arrangements that blend with Thibaut’s Fairhaven collection - The art of translating interior design into florals
An intimate conversation exploring how culture, craftsmanship and personal perspective are shaping the future of luxury interiors. Join acclaimed designers Young Huh and Noz Nozawa as they discuss finding your voice, defining luxury and what's next in design.
Antiques are finding new life in contemporary interiors, bringing history, character, and a sense of permanence to the rooms we live in today. Join Tara Shaw, designer and antiques authority, in conversation with Krissa Rossbund, Editor of Traditional Home, as they discuss the renewed interest in antiques, the idea of “the hero in the room,” and how to source meaningful pieces with confidence. Tara will also share insight into her collection for Century and the antique forms that continue to inspire her work. Following the keynote, attendees are invited to the Rock House Designer Brands showroom for a cocktail reception and book signing of Tara’s Soul of the Home.
Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper. They’re all engineered the same way (more or less), but what they should look like has sparked debate and innovation for more than a century. In this talk, WTTW’s Geoffrey Baer traces the evolution from pure expressions of soaring verticality to lavish ornamentation inspired by history, to stark minimalism (modernist Mies Van Der Rohe said his ultimate goal was “almost nothing”).
Somewhere between the mood board and the final install, a room can lose its soul. When spaces start to feel a bit too polished, considered, and curatorially correct, individual expression quietly disappears. Spaces start to look like everyone's – and no one's. This panel of boundary-pushing designers asks what it really means to design with conviction in an industry that rewards the familiar.
What makes a kitchen truly unforgettable? It's not one extraordinary feature—it's the thoughtful layering of details that could only belong to one home and one family. Join Jasmin Reese of Jasmin Reese Interiors, Diana Wagenbach of Studio W Interiors, and Laura O'Brien of O'Brien Harris for an inspiring conversation on the art of customization. Explore how bespoke cabinetry, handcrafted stone, tailored layouts, and purpose-driven appliance selections come together to create kitchens that are deeply personal, effortlessly functional, and designed to stand the test of time.
Join Kravet for a conversation with photographer Nick Mele and interior designers David Phoenix and Jessica Lagrange, moderated by Lance Lawson, co-owner of Space 519, as they explore the enduring appeal of Palm Beach's unapologetically maximalist sensibility. Expect a candid, insider take on layered rooms, richly collected interiors, and the art of designing with personality.
Join leading designers and industry partners for a conversation on the return to decoration and the renewed embrace of layered, personalized interiors. Explore how color, pattern, texture, craftsmanship, and storytelling are shaping today's most compelling spaces, moving beyond minimalism toward richer, more expressive design.
Join celebrated interior designer Young Huh for an inspiring afternoon exploring how thoughtful design transforms the heart of the home. In her presentation, Fearless Kitchens: Designing Beyond the Expected, Young will share her approach to creating kitchens that are both highly functional and deeply personal—spaces that reflect the people who live in them while embracing creativity, craftsmanship, and timeless style. She'll also offer insights into her design philosophy and the creative process behind her debut book, A Mood, A Thought, A Feeling. Following the presentation, guests will have the opportunity to meet Young during an exclusive book signing.* *Books will be for sale at the Monogram Design Center at the start of the event
Explore the principles behind selecting premium natural stone for residential, hospitality, and commercial projects. Learn how material properties, application requirements, craftsmanship, and responsible sourcing influence successful outcomes and support informed project decisions.
Join Alexandra and Samantha from The Galley as they explore the evolution of luxury outdoor living. Discover the common friction points in outdoor kitchen design and how a Kitchen Workstation can solve everyday challenges and elevate the overall design.
Kitchen and bathroom design has become one of the most significant opportunities for interior designers to grow their business. As a complex, highly collaborative project type, kitchens can serve as a gateway to larger residential commissions, helping designers expand their portfolios, elevate their brand, and strengthen client relationships. Successful kitchen projects require expertise in customization, functionality, and the thoughtful integration of materials, appliances, and cabinetry. Equally important are the partnerships with manufacturers, fabricators, builders, and other trade professionals that not only bring a designer’s vision to life, but also foster referrals, collaboration, and long-term business growth. This panel will examine how a specialization in kitchen design—and the strategic relationships that support it—can help designers differentiate their practice, unlock new opportunities, and create a foundation for sustained business growth.
What defines the exceptional kitchen today? In this panel discussion, leading designers and culinary talent convene to explore how the luxury kitchen is evolving, where responsive precision, exquisite materials and sculptural design converge. During the discussion, enjoy a live chef demonstration on Dacor's premium appliances, then linger for the tasting that follows.
Premium outdoor furnishings are built to perform for years when you know how to care for them. This presentation explores the materials maintenance and long-term performance of teak woven fiber and cushions giving designers the practical knowledge to specify with confidence and guide clients on keeping their pieces beautiful.
Join us as we discuss the details, decisions, and real world conditions that shape cabinetry beyond the drawings.
Explore how sustainability, circular design, and innovative materials are shaping the future of architecture. Discover UNDORA, a next-generation mineral surface that combines responsible manufacturing, exceptional versatility, and contemporary aesthetics to create spaces designed for tomorrow.
Go behind the scenes with LUXE Editor in Chief Jill Cohen and three of today's most sought-after designers as they share the inspiration, client stories and creative decisions behind their most memorable kitchens. Building on findings from LUXE's Luxury Living Report, discover how today's leading designers approach the home's biggest investment—creating kitchens that seamlessly balance luxury, functionality and exceptional design.
Last year we asked, “Why AI?” This year we’re asking, “Now what?” Join industry leaders for a candid discussion on how AI is reshaping design, streamlining workflows, and creating new opportunities, without losing the human touch that defines great design.
Join La Cornue for an interactive culinary experience. Guided by Chef Amy, guests will learn the art of creating French macarons and craft their own take-home assortment. Enjoy French 75 cocktails and non-alcoholic refreshments while discovering the flavors and techniques behind this classic French confection. Learning Objectives: - Discover the craftsmanship and heritage of La Cornue ranges, gaining an understanding of the brand's French culinary tradition. - Understand how La Cornue ranges enhance the home entertaining experience, combining professional-level functionality with timeless design to create a true centerpiece for luxury kitchens. - Learn how to customize a La Cornue Chateau range to create a one of a kind heirloom.
This panel explores the art and strategy behind incorporating natural stone slabs into modern design. From selecting the right material and understanding unique veining patterns to balancing aesthetics with durability, industry experts will share insights on how to use stone as both a functional surface and a statement piece. The discussion will cover sourcing, sustainability, fabrication techniques, and real-world applications across residential and commercial spaces—offering practical guidance and creative inspiration for designers, architects, and builders alike.
Explore the whimsical world of Julian Chichester with Paul Watson, VP of Business Development. Discover the company’s innovative material use, Mid-Century modern design inspiration, and expert craftsmanship. Sip tea, browse product debuts and material samples, and discover a timeless collection full of unique character, bespoke detail, and joyful expression.
We may want to believe design moves as fast as our imaginations allow, but it's also part of an ever-updating dance with what technology allows. So, we've put together a fascinating conversation with designers and experts about moments when what's new in wallcoverings has helped define style—and where it may be leading us next. Plus, we'll look at previously unreleased wallcovering designs and consider what kind of projects they'll help reinvent tomorrow.
Today's kitchen serves as the heart of the home, balancing cooking, entertaining and everyday living. This course explores the evolution of residential kitchen design – from early utilitarian layouts to today's seamless, integrated environments. Participants will examine how historical design principles, modern workflow planning, ergonomic considerations, integrated appliances and material selection contribute to kitchens that are both beautiful and highly functional. The course also reviews emerging design trends focused on wellness, cleanliness and long-term value, providing architects and designers with practical insights for creating cohesive, efficient and future-ready kitchen environments.
Whether you’re presenting to a client, leading a team meeting, pitching a project, or speaking to a rom full of peers, effective communication creates opportunity. In this engaging and practical session, Joe Schmit shares the techniques that help professionals move beyond nerves, avoid common mistakes, and deliver with confidence. Learn how to capture attention, communicate with clarity, and create authentic connections that leave a lasting impression.
Step inside the structure of a hand-woven rug. In this hands-on workshop at STARK Chicago, participants weave on pre-warped peg looms — exploring how tension, interlacement, and color sequencing translate from studio craft to floor-scale specification. Learning Objectives: - Identify the structural relationship between warp and weft and explain how plain weave interlacement creates stable textile fabric. - Apply color sequencing decisions, order, proportion, and transition, to a woven sample, connecting those choices to the rug specification process. - Recognize how tactile variables such as yarn weight, tension, and fringe treatment influence the visual and functional character of a finished textile.
For the 10th anniversary of Boss Lady, ELLE DECOR and Scavolini evolve the conversation from individual leadership to legacy—celebrating the family ties that are shaping the future of design. In an industry often defined by singular creative voices, many of today's most compelling practices are powered by partnership: mothers and daughters, siblings, and multi-generational teams whose shared vision is redefining what modern design businesses can look like. Moderated by Daniele Busca, the conversation will feature Kristine Renee, Principal, and Deborah Costa, Principal of Design Alchemy, alongside Alisha Serras and Niki Serras, owners of Scavolini Store Chicago. Together, they'll explore how design legacies are built, how new generations influence established perspectives, and why collaboration across generations has become one of the industry's greatest competitive advantages—from creative vision to entrepreneurship and business leadership.
Learn how the outdoor kitchen functions as a year-round extension of the home, showing how thoughtful, safe, and accessible design—paired with durable material selection— can enhance comfort, reflect client lifestyle, and create lasting emotional value.