Design Chicago 2025: The Power of Wallpaper, Mixed Mediums, and Showroom Design
Our team had the pleasure of attending the Design Chicago conference this year. Over the past two days, we had a front row seat learning from the industry leaders in interior design and we are thrilled to share our key takeaways.
Wallpaper is Back and Better than Ever
Our team was taken aback by the beautiful and vast variety of well-executed wallpaper looks at Design Chicago. From sustainable materials to scenic illustrations, we were delighted to see all the ways wallpaper was used to transform spaces. We were particularly impressed by cork wallpaper, a sustainable option with sound deadening properties to transform an environment more than just visually. It was evident that wallpaper has made a beautiful comeback as a tried and true tool to elevate a room.
Mixed Mediums
Our team could not help but notice the utilization of overlapping textures and mixed mediums. Surfaces, metals, and textiles were thoughtfully combined in unexpected ways to create cohesive designs. That same philosophy drives our work at Innovative. Whether we are developing a retail fixture, a feature wall, or an environment as a whole, we approach our designs as a conversation between materials. Our designers and project managers work tirelessly to elevate each project through the perfect array of materials and thoughtful sourcing.
Showroom Design
The MART continues to be an unmatched venue for exploring showroom design. These showrooms offer excellent case studies in how to showcase materials and finishes in ways that both elevate the visitor’s experience and aid in the design process. Each space demonstrates how thoughtful use of finishes, lighting, and material samples can guide the visitor’s journey through the space. The best showrooms feel curated rather than crowded, striking the perfect balance between inspiration and clarity.
We left Design Chicago inspired and full of ideas. The innovation we saw throughout the MART reminded us how impactful it is for us to get away from our desks and explore new design trends in the real world. We’re excited to bring this inspiration back into the office to keep making an impact at retail.
