As the industry looks toward 2026, two major fall conferences, Design Chicago and High Point Market, are set to provide a look at future trends for residential spaces. For closet designers, interior designers, architects, and home builders, these events are not just about seeing new products; they are about understanding the shifts in lifestyle, technology, and materials that will define the next generation of homes.

Design Chicago, scheduled for October 8-9 at The Mart in Chicago, will offer a curated look into the latest in kitchen, bath, and home furnishings. As the Midwest’s largest residential design conference, it provides an intimate setting for professionals to connect with leading brands and earn CEU credits. This year’s programming will feature panels on building a digital brand, contract basics for interior design professionals, color trends, using stone in designs, lighting, how to design for wellness, intellectual property considerations and so much more.

The two-day event will feature open houses in various showrooms from Benjamin Moore & Co. to the Dacor Kitchen Theater. 

Benjamin Moore’s Color Confidence session, available on both days, will allow attendees to explore the power of color in a session the company says is designed to enhance well-being, confidence and unique style. Guests will receive a one-on-one color analysis to find hues that best complement them while enjoying refreshments at the Pressed & Pigmented juice bar and exploring their personalized palettes through curated paint swatches.

The Ebansista showroom will offer exclusive looks at their introductions in handcrafted furniture and artisanal accents. Visitors to Dacor will be able to create their own custom mocktails served over Whisky Ball Ice.

Design Chicago 2025 events will end with a soiree on Thursday evening in Studio 54. 

High Point Market

Later in the month, the interior designers will flock to High Point Market in North Carolina, running from Oct. 25-29. As the world’s largest home furnishings trade show, High Point is where new collections are launched and future trends are solidified. With over 11 million square feet of showroom space, the event offers an unparalleled opportunity for discovery.

As homeowners increasingly seek to maximize every square foot, closets are being designed to serve as dressing rooms, vanities, or even small home offices. Look for furniture pieces and modular systems that support this shift, from custom benches and ottomans to specialized storage for accessories and technology. The market will also be a prime venue to see the latest in decorative hardware, with finishes in mixed metals and leather-wrapped handles offering new avenues for personalization.

Both conferences will also address the growing demand for sustainability. Attendees can expect to find products made from responsibly sourced materials, low-VOC finishes, and energy-efficient lighting. These elements are no longer niche considerations but are becoming central to luxury design and construction.

For any professional in the business of creating beautiful and functional homes, attending at least one of these fall events is highly recommended. Design Chicago offers a focused, educational experience, while High Point provides an overview of the residential and furniture market. Together, they will offer a comprehensive look at the trends and innovations impacting residential design.

For more information, visit designchicagoevent.com or highpointmarket.org.