2024 Design Chicago: Innovation and modern design

Joshua Levinson, CEO, Artistic Tile; Martin Horner, Principal & Co-Founder, Soucie Horner Ltd.; Kara Mann, Founder of Kara Mann Design; and Scott Fortman, President, Fortman, Peterson & Associates for the session Reviving ‘Classical’ For Modern Design: From Homes To Hotels To Retreats.

CHICAGO - Design Chicago, one of the Midwest’s largest residential design conferences, was held at The Mart in Chicago from September 25 to 26. It was two days of education and networking for kitchen, bath, and interior design professionals. The event featured presentations, product demonstrations, CEUs, and open houses in participating showrooms. 

The presentations offered a wide range of topics relevant to the design industry, including:

Materiality and Design:

  • How Materiality Positively Impacts an Intentionally Designed Space—David Berkowitz, Executive Vice President of Product Development and Manufacturing at Maya Romanoff, and Joyce Romanoff, CEO of Maya Romanoff, discussed the importance of material selection in creating intentional and impactful spaces.
  • CEU: The Convergence of Design & Technology: This session explored how design and technology are increasingly converging and how designers can leverage technology to create more innovative and functional spaces.

Color and Trends:

  • CEU: 2025 Global Color & Design Trends Launch: Attendees got a sneak peek at the latest color and design trends for 2025.
  • CEU: Color Forecast 2025: This session provided insights into the upcoming color trends shaping the design world in 2025.

Design Applications:

  • Reviving 'Classical' for Modern Design - From Homes to Hotels to Retreats: This presentation explored how classical design elements can create modern and sophisticated spaces.
Glass surfaces can be incorporated into a variety of design options.
  • Using Glass Surfaces in the Modern Home: This session discussed the benefits of using glass surfaces in modern homes and how to incorporate them into design projects.

  • From Kitchen to Camera: Creating Narratives Through Design: This presentation explored how design can create stories and evoke emotions in a space.

Industry Insights:

Sarah Williamson and John Cialone discussed the latest trends impacting the design industry.
    • Exploring Design Trends with Industry Leaders: A conversation with John Cialone and Sarah Williamson, who shared their insights on the latest design trends and how they shape the industry's future.
    • Meet the Designers: This session provided an opportunity to meet and hear from some of the industry's leading designers.

Business of Design:

  • Prevent the Demise of Design: This session offered insights on how designers can stay ahead of the curve in the design industry.
  • Interior designers Corey Damen Jenkins and Kim Scodro, Principal of Kim Scodro Interiors, discussed the intricacies of furniture design, the nuances of licensing, and their outlook on the industry's future.   
  • CEU: Neuroaesthetics - The Science of Beauty in Interior Design: This session explored the science of beauty and how it can be applied to interior design.

For more information about Design Chicago, visit designchicagoevent.com.

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About the author
Michaelle Bradford | Editor

Michaelle Bradford, CCI Media, is Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine and Woodworking Network editor. She has more than 20 years of experience covering the woodworking and design industry, including visits to custom cabinet shops, closet firms and design studios throughout North America. As Editor of Closets & Organized Storage magazine under the Woodworking Network brand, Michaelle’s responsibilities include writing, editing, and coordinating editorial content as well as managing annual design competitions like the Top Shelf Design Awards. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media.