A CELEBRATION OF INNOVATION AND DESIGN

2025 has been off to an exciting start for Second Empire Surfaces — we had the privilege of launching our Flagship Collection at IDS East, a premier tradeshow at Toronto’s Metro Convention Centre that brings together the best in architecture, interior design, and material innovation. This landmark event boasted an exciting mix of exhibitors, speakers, and industry leaders who came together to celebrate the future of Interior Design.

At our booth, our founders had the opportunity to introduce our brand to the Canadian market and showcase our array of original wallcoverings and custom-glazed ceramic tiles.

THE LAUNCH OF SES’ FLAGSHIP COLLECTION

The unveiling of our introductory Flagship Collection was a defining moment at IDS East. Attending the tradeshow aligned with the launch of our business and we knew that IDS East would be the ideal platform to bring our new brand to market. Our material collections embrace the ethos of “surfaces of substance,” celebrating the union of art and interiors, and it felt like Second Empire Surfaces was very much aligned with other exhibitors at the 26th annual Interior Design Show. Preparing for the four-day event gave us the momentum to meet our launch deadline, including completing our sample designs, editing the numerous renderings, building our first-ever sample books, and assembling our tile displays. While it was hectic leading up to the show, the overwhelmingly positive response from knowledgeable trade professionals made the dedication and hard work worthwhile. The support from the Interior Design and Architecture community has only reinforced our passion to design, curate, and fabricate here in Newfoundland.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

IDS East featured an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, offering valuable insights into the future of design — particularly in the realm of Hospitality Design. Paolo Ferrari explored the future of luxury hospitality design; sharing how indulgent experiences in hospitality need to evolve in response to global challenges, pushing designers to create experiential spaces that blend comfort and escapism. Night & Day: The Evolution of Hotel Design, brought together leading experts to discuss the transformation of hospitality interiors, from lobbies to guest suites — as boutique hotels and residential design converge, the discussion provided insight into the future of adaptable spaces.

In New Emotive Design, designers such as Simone Micheli and Martin Leblanc explored how spaces can be curated to evoke emotional responses, an idea that resonates with our approach at Second Empire Surfaces — where texture, colour, and form come together to create evocative environments.

IN GOOD COMPANY

Beyond the engaging discussions, IDS East featured a stunning display of innovative designs. Some standout products and exhibits included sculptural lighting installations, hardware showcases with architectural detailing, contemporary furniture pieces, and acoustic walls and ceiling treatments. Many Canadian manufacturers were represented on the exhibit floor including EQ3 and Hush Acoustics who are both founded and based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba. Eureka Lighting, Hollis + Morris and Bendee Artisanal Lighting each demonstrated their unique approach to designing with LED in the provinces of British Columbia and Ontario. Interior and industrial design have taken deep root in Canada and are growing.

HIGHLIGHTED PRODUCTS FROM THE STUDIO NORTH

Studio North is always of particular interest, where independent product designers exhibit their custom and one-off creations within a gallery-like setting. Many of the beautiful interior objects were sculptural in nature, merging art and function with plaster, glass, resins, and textiles. Aeny Studio brought their Flowform Collection, “where sculptural artistry meets function. Each piece channels the untamed spirit and raw elegance of nature.”

The design collaborative Och Works featured lighting designed using “both analogue ceramic craft and digital fabrication processes.” Vibrant, angular felt sculptures by Monica Correia Design stood on their own as both art and an eye-catching acoustical treatment.

LOOKING AHEAD

IDS East has provided us with valuable insights and connections that will guide our upcoming projects and design ambitions. The show reinforced the importance of sustainability, material innovation, and design that focuses on place-making and storytelling. We are excited to integrate these lessons into our future collections while staying true to our passion for craftsmanship and authenticity.

Here’s to another year filled with creative exploration and meaningful design. See you at the next IDS East!

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