Hospitality was the hot topic at the January 2025 edition of IDS Toronto, where industry heavyweights like Denizens of Design and Yabu Pushelberg presented their visions for the hotel of the future in the feature exhibit “Night & Day.” (Their respective takeaways: Front desks are out and sultry red bars are in.) Meanwhile, Toronto proved to be a gracious host to visitors like Salone del Mobile president Maria Porro, who flew in from Milan to deliver a rousing keynote. Out-of towners continued to supply fresh perspective during the 10-day DesignTO Festival that followed, where “Ensemble,” a group show organized by a motley crew of Montrealers, earned top marks for transforming the Plumb’s otherwise drab subterranean gallery into a surreal dreamscape. One room boasted a sci-fi glow, and another was draped in a Lynchian curtain; throughout both, chair and lighting designs embraced delightfully strange silhouettes.
As DesignTO continued, two different approaches dominated. On the one hand, many designers provided welcome antidotes to the stresses of 2025. Mason Studio teamed up with the meditation experts at Othership to launch a “sensory odyssey” that quickly sold out. But other exhibitors followed in the footsteps of “Ensemble” by translating unease into physical forms. Chairs that looked intimidating at first — featuring seats covered in pink spikes or wooden knobs — soon revealed themselves to be unexpectedly accommodating thrones.
The world has stopped being a gracious host. We can seek temporary escape in spas and vacations, but eventually, we must confront our anxiety head-on. Perhaps by doing so, we may even find ourselves better equipped to endure it. As the “Buy Canadian” movement gains momentum, there’s solace to be found in the fact that so many designers are delivering creative, well-crafted coping mechanisms.
1
The Invisible Tide by Mason Studio
Hosted in Mason’s own office (which frequently doubles as an exhibition venue), this immersive installation combined cinematic lighting by Mulvey & Banani, an A/V projection by Seeing into the Unknown and a mossy scent by CBCB Fragrances. Visitors sat on a platform surrounded by a pool of water as a guide from Othership led a mindfulness session.
2
The Spa by Rollout and Coolab
At IDS’s “Night & Day” exhibition, Rollout and Coolab anticipated the next wave of wellness design with a shipping container wallpapered to resemble an amethyst — a jagged gemstone that nevertheless boasts calming properties. Mirrored surfaces and an ethereal soundscape amplified the space’s tranquil power.
3
Soft Spikes by Cait Kalb
Held at Stackt Market, the DesignTO exhibition “About Time” showcased work by five Sheridan College grads who had their 2021 thesis show cancelled by the pandemic. Cait Kalb’s appropriately spiky standout used hot pink velvet to subvert otherwise hostile shapes. Thankfully, anyone brave enough for a torture test found its thorns made for ultra-soft cushioning.
4
Knob by Alison Postma
Theraguns may be all the rage today, but lower-tech wooden massage instruments have long boasted their own soothing powers. Shown at IDS, Alison Postma’s prototype scales these sculptural tools up into a piece of furniture. While the seat and backrest may resemble a bed of oversized wooden nails at first, they nevertheless support the body’s contours with satisfying grace.
5
Tom by Reggyyy
Another surprisingly comfortable chair, this friendly, creature-like living room companion by Montreal designer Reggy St-Surin has already been on a world tour, debuting at last year’s Stockholm Furniture Fair before winning a Best of Launch Pad award at ICFF 2024. Its latest stop: “Ensemble” during DesignTO, where it grew its fan base in bright red.
6
Cake by Found
Feeling patriotic (or just pragmatic) in the face of U.S. tariff threats? Over the past five years, Montreal-based brand Found has launched a full catalogue of made-in-Canada furnishings, several of which were on view in “Ensemble.” This powder-coated aluminum light shade featuring charming pinched ends is available in five colours and three sizes.
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Alta Metallic Mota by Yury Goncharov
CNC-milled with a metallic chrome finish, Yury Goncharov’s sinuous design sits right at the intersection of fantasy and reality. While it was inspired by Isaac Newton’s theories about the earth’s rotation and kinetic energy, the end result is just as likely to recall comic book superhero the Silver Surfer, who cruises through space on a matching metal surfboard.
8
Pearl by Devansh Shah
Modelled after an organic shape yet created using digital tools, Devansh Shah’s jewel-like beacon of light secures a frosted glass globe to a 3D-printed PLA base. An Open Studio event in Liberty Village charted the table lamp’s development process from early sketches to finished product, which retails for $250.
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Buis by Le Tenon et La Mortaise
Exhibiting in the Studio North section of IDS, Quebec woodworking duo Benoit St-Jean and Caroline Roberge highlighted their Bosquet collection inspired by the soft curves of bucolic garden groves. This combination side table–stool is made from solid Canadian Douglas fir and is available in a natural finish or with lilac or green stains.
10
Roxanne by Montauk Sofa
Unveiled at IDS in a snaking eight-metre-long configuration, Montauk Sofa’s latest modular system (available with both straight and curved components) demonstrated the mood-boosting power of chocolate-toned velvet — and probably also inspired a few people to cue up one of The Police’s greatest hits.
At Ease With Unease During Toronto’s January Design Fairs
IDS Toronto and the DesignTO Festival struck a timely balance between comfort and discomfort.