2018 Global Design Calendar: Where to Go, What to See
Check out some of this year’s best design shows, tours and exhibitions around the globe
Attention, antique hunters, architecture enthusiasts and contemporary design lovers: 2018 is packed with inspirational house tours, gorgeous garden shows, mind-blowing art festivals and more to keep you inspired all year. Here are some of the top design-related shows, tours and exhibitions coming up around the globe.
March
Singapore Design Week
What: Furniture fair plus design events
Where: Various locations throughout Singapore
When: March 5-18
Cost: Varies
The region’s most-visited furniture fair, the International Furniture Fair Singapore is a trade-only fair that anchors Singapore Design Week (it usually opens to the public on its last day). Singaplural is the open-to-the-public, week-long festival that celebrates all things design.
Design Shanghai
What: International design event
Where: Shanghai Exhibition Centre, China
When: March 14-17
Cost: About AU$37
Asia’s largest interior design event is quickly gaining a reputation for groundbreaking design. Seen here, a collection of Moon Birdies – outdoor sculptures that light up – greeted visitors outside the exhibition centre at last year’s event.
The Armory Show
What: New York City’s foremost art fair with more than 200 leading international galleries. The show features a different curator every year; this year it is the Minnesota Institute of Art’s curator of contemporary art, Gabe Ritter.
Where: Piers 92 and 94, New York City, USA
When: March 8-11
Cost: AU$58
DesignMarch
What: Iceland’s most important annual design festival, covering architecture, furniture and product design. This year’s show will also include an in-depth look at the design of food.
Where: Reykjavik, Iceland
When: March 15-18
Cost: Free
Singapore Design Week
What: Furniture fair plus design events
Where: Various locations throughout Singapore
When: March 5-18
Cost: Varies
The region’s most-visited furniture fair, the International Furniture Fair Singapore is a trade-only fair that anchors Singapore Design Week (it usually opens to the public on its last day). Singaplural is the open-to-the-public, week-long festival that celebrates all things design.
Design Shanghai
What: International design event
Where: Shanghai Exhibition Centre, China
When: March 14-17
Cost: About AU$37
Asia’s largest interior design event is quickly gaining a reputation for groundbreaking design. Seen here, a collection of Moon Birdies – outdoor sculptures that light up – greeted visitors outside the exhibition centre at last year’s event.
The Armory Show
What: New York City’s foremost art fair with more than 200 leading international galleries. The show features a different curator every year; this year it is the Minnesota Institute of Art’s curator of contemporary art, Gabe Ritter.
Where: Piers 92 and 94, New York City, USA
When: March 8-11
Cost: AU$58
DesignMarch
What: Iceland’s most important annual design festival, covering architecture, furniture and product design. This year’s show will also include an in-depth look at the design of food.
Where: Reykjavik, Iceland
When: March 15-18
Cost: Free
April
Salone del Mobile (Milano) – Milan Furniture Fair
What: International design show
Where: Milan, Italy
When: April 17-22
Cost: Trade; open to the public only on April 21-22 for AU$50
The Salone del Mobile held annually in Milan, Italy is the world’s most prestigious furniture fair, where major brands and star designers launch their new collections. Fringe design events are also held throughout the city.
San Francisco Decorator Showcase
What: Decorator show house
Where: San Francisco, USA
When: April 28 through May 28
Cost: AU$43
The San Francisco Decorator Showcase is a beloved design tradition that allows some of the region’s top interior designers to work their creative magic in decorating rooms that the public can tour.
This grand room seen here, from last year’s showcase, was inspired by the famed green salon in the Paris home of French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy. The space, designed by Jonathan Rachman, featured green hand-embroidered silk wallcoverings from de Gournay.
Boston Design Week
What: Furniture, art and architecture exhibition that promotes the Boston design community. The theme for this year’s event is “Now, New, Next,” and the event will highlight new and emerging designs.
Where: Boston Design Center, Boston, USA
When: April 4-15
Cost: Free
Salone del Mobile (Milano) – Milan Furniture Fair
What: International design show
Where: Milan, Italy
When: April 17-22
Cost: Trade; open to the public only on April 21-22 for AU$50
The Salone del Mobile held annually in Milan, Italy is the world’s most prestigious furniture fair, where major brands and star designers launch their new collections. Fringe design events are also held throughout the city.
San Francisco Decorator Showcase
What: Decorator show house
Where: San Francisco, USA
When: April 28 through May 28
Cost: AU$43
The San Francisco Decorator Showcase is a beloved design tradition that allows some of the region’s top interior designers to work their creative magic in decorating rooms that the public can tour.
This grand room seen here, from last year’s showcase, was inspired by the famed green salon in the Paris home of French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy. The space, designed by Jonathan Rachman, featured green hand-embroidered silk wallcoverings from de Gournay.
Boston Design Week
What: Furniture, art and architecture exhibition that promotes the Boston design community. The theme for this year’s event is “Now, New, Next,” and the event will highlight new and emerging designs.
Where: Boston Design Center, Boston, USA
When: April 4-15
Cost: Free
May
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
What: Flower and garden design show
Where: London, UK
When: May 22-26
Cost: AU$103
The Royal Horticultural Society’s annual flower show features Britain’s best garden design talent. It runs for five days and displays an abundance of innovation in gardens ranging from wild and naturalistic to cutting-edge.
Seen here is a conceptual drawing of the Pearlfisher Garden by John Warland that will debut at this year’s show. The garden consists of a series of aquatic tanks that host ocean plants, coral and fish surrounding a three-dimensional pearl diver.
Kips Bay Decorator Show House
What: Annual show house since 1973 that has become renowned for sparking global interior design trends.
Where: New York City, USA
When: May 12 through June 9
Cost: US$35 (AU$43)
ICFF
What: North America’s largest showcase for contemporary design, with more than 750 exhibitors from around the world. This year marks the event’s 30th anniversary.
Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City, USA
When: May 20-23
Cost: AU$74
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
What: Flower and garden design show
Where: London, UK
When: May 22-26
Cost: AU$103
The Royal Horticultural Society’s annual flower show features Britain’s best garden design talent. It runs for five days and displays an abundance of innovation in gardens ranging from wild and naturalistic to cutting-edge.
Seen here is a conceptual drawing of the Pearlfisher Garden by John Warland that will debut at this year’s show. The garden consists of a series of aquatic tanks that host ocean plants, coral and fish surrounding a three-dimensional pearl diver.
Kips Bay Decorator Show House
What: Annual show house since 1973 that has become renowned for sparking global interior design trends.
Where: New York City, USA
When: May 12 through June 9
Cost: US$35 (AU$43)
ICFF
What: North America’s largest showcase for contemporary design, with more than 750 exhibitors from around the world. This year marks the event’s 30th anniversary.
Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City, USA
When: May 20-23
Cost: AU$74
June
London Festival of Architecture
What: International architecture festival
Where: London, UK
When: June 1-30
Cost: Free
For the whole month of June, much of London becomes a global hub of architectural experimentation, practice and debate. Last year the Poplar Pavilion, created by artist Alex Julyan, was a gathering spot for festivalgoers near Canary Wharf. Seen here is the original conceptual model for the pavilion made out of cardboard.
Los Angeles Design Festival
What: A design festival featuring a wide range of styles to reflect LA’s diversity and talent. The event is currently accepting nominations for the 2018 LA Design Festival Awards.
Where: Los Angeles, USA
When: June 7-10
Cost: Free
SF Design Week
What: An opportunity to experience works by the region’s talented designers, from tech inventions to architecture. This year’s event will include the inaugural SF Design Week Innovation Awards.
Where: San Francisco, USA
When: June 7-15
Cost: Free
DENFAIR
What: A boutique trade event focusing on exhibiting emerging and established talent working in contemporary design in Australia.
Where: Melbourne, Victoria
When: June 14-16
Cost: Free
London Festival of Architecture
What: International architecture festival
Where: London, UK
When: June 1-30
Cost: Free
For the whole month of June, much of London becomes a global hub of architectural experimentation, practice and debate. Last year the Poplar Pavilion, created by artist Alex Julyan, was a gathering spot for festivalgoers near Canary Wharf. Seen here is the original conceptual model for the pavilion made out of cardboard.
Los Angeles Design Festival
What: A design festival featuring a wide range of styles to reflect LA’s diversity and talent. The event is currently accepting nominations for the 2018 LA Design Festival Awards.
Where: Los Angeles, USA
When: June 7-10
Cost: Free
SF Design Week
What: An opportunity to experience works by the region’s talented designers, from tech inventions to architecture. This year’s event will include the inaugural SF Design Week Innovation Awards.
Where: San Francisco, USA
When: June 7-15
Cost: Free
DENFAIR
What: A boutique trade event focusing on exhibiting emerging and established talent working in contemporary design in Australia.
Where: Melbourne, Victoria
When: June 14-16
Cost: Free
July
Artscape
What: Art festival that takes place over three days
Where: Baltimore, USA
When: July 20-22
Cost: Free
As the United States’ largest free arts festival, this annual three-day event attracts more than 350,000 attendees. A Baltimore artist created the faux oversize campfire seen here, complete with a giant marshmallow on a stick for ‘roasting’.
Design Tokyo
What: Japan’s largest design trade show of furniture, decor, textiles and fashions. Only products that pass the event judges’ screening will be on display.
Where: Tokyo, Japan
When: July 4-6
Cost: Free; trade only
AIFF: Australian International Furniture Fair
What: Australia’s top furniture fair, in the heart of Melbourne’s design district.
Where: Melbourne, Victoria
When: July 19-22
Cost: Free; trade only
Decor + Design
What: Australia’s number one interiors event, showcasing the latest interior products and furnishings from over 300 brands. This year marks the show’s 15th anniversary.
Where: Melbourne, Victoria
When: July 19-22
Cost: Free; trade only
Artscape
What: Art festival that takes place over three days
Where: Baltimore, USA
When: July 20-22
Cost: Free
As the United States’ largest free arts festival, this annual three-day event attracts more than 350,000 attendees. A Baltimore artist created the faux oversize campfire seen here, complete with a giant marshmallow on a stick for ‘roasting’.
Design Tokyo
What: Japan’s largest design trade show of furniture, decor, textiles and fashions. Only products that pass the event judges’ screening will be on display.
Where: Tokyo, Japan
When: July 4-6
Cost: Free; trade only
AIFF: Australian International Furniture Fair
What: Australia’s top furniture fair, in the heart of Melbourne’s design district.
Where: Melbourne, Victoria
When: July 19-22
Cost: Free; trade only
Decor + Design
What: Australia’s number one interiors event, showcasing the latest interior products and furnishings from over 300 brands. This year marks the show’s 15th anniversary.
Where: Melbourne, Victoria
When: July 19-22
Cost: Free; trade only
August
The Festival of Quilts 2018
What: Quilting fair and competition
Where: NEC, Birmingham, UK
When: Aug. 9-12
Cost: About AU$26
Europe’s largest quilting show displays more than 700 competition quilts. Last year, French artist Martine Apaolaza showcased her collection of quilts inspired by Parisian street scenes. The quilt seen here features the exterior of a laitière (’dairy’ in French).
São Paulo Design Weekend
What: Design, art and culture festival. Local artists spruce up some streets and stairways in São Paulo during the four-day event.
Where: São Paulo, Brazil
When: Aug. 29 through Sept. 2
Cost: Free
DENFAIR
What: A boutique trade event focusing on exhibiting emerging and established talent working in contemporary design in Australia.
Where: Sydney, NSW
When: August 16-18
Cost: Free
The Festival of Quilts 2018
What: Quilting fair and competition
Where: NEC, Birmingham, UK
When: Aug. 9-12
Cost: About AU$26
Europe’s largest quilting show displays more than 700 competition quilts. Last year, French artist Martine Apaolaza showcased her collection of quilts inspired by Parisian street scenes. The quilt seen here features the exterior of a laitière (’dairy’ in French).
São Paulo Design Weekend
What: Design, art and culture festival. Local artists spruce up some streets and stairways in São Paulo during the four-day event.
Where: São Paulo, Brazil
When: Aug. 29 through Sept. 2
Cost: Free
DENFAIR
What: A boutique trade event focusing on exhibiting emerging and established talent working in contemporary design in Australia.
Where: Sydney, NSW
When: August 16-18
Cost: Free
September
London Design Festival
What: Museum exhibition
Where: London, UK
When: Sept. 15-23
Cost: Varies
This annual design event is made up of over 400 events and exhibitions staged by firms, designers and architects from across the design spectrum. A highlight from last year’s festival was designer Ross Lovegrove’s 21-metre fabric snake that wound its way through a gallery hall at the V&A museum.
Helsinki Design Week
What: The largest design festival in the Nordic countries, presenting the latest trends in fashion, architecture and urban culture.
Where: Helsinki, Finland
When: Sept. 6-16
Cost: Free
Maison&Objet
What: Twice-yearly design event that showcases the latest in international furniture, accessories, textiles and fragrances.
Where: Paris-Nord Villepinte, Paris, France
When: Sept. 7-11
Cost: AU$90; trade only
Paris Design Week
What: Citywide design fair showcasing the best in contemporary home design, fashion, art and food.
Where: Paris, France
When: Sept. 8-16
Cost: Free
Sustainable House Day
What: This event enables the general public to visit houses around Australia that have been designed with sustainability in mind, and pick the brains of the owners.
Where: Various locations throughout Australia
When: Sept.16
Cost: Gold coin donation
London Design Festival
What: Museum exhibition
Where: London, UK
When: Sept. 15-23
Cost: Varies
This annual design event is made up of over 400 events and exhibitions staged by firms, designers and architects from across the design spectrum. A highlight from last year’s festival was designer Ross Lovegrove’s 21-metre fabric snake that wound its way through a gallery hall at the V&A museum.
Helsinki Design Week
What: The largest design festival in the Nordic countries, presenting the latest trends in fashion, architecture and urban culture.
Where: Helsinki, Finland
When: Sept. 6-16
Cost: Free
Maison&Objet
What: Twice-yearly design event that showcases the latest in international furniture, accessories, textiles and fragrances.
Where: Paris-Nord Villepinte, Paris, France
When: Sept. 7-11
Cost: AU$90; trade only
Paris Design Week
What: Citywide design fair showcasing the best in contemporary home design, fashion, art and food.
Where: Paris, France
When: Sept. 8-16
Cost: Free
Sustainable House Day
What: This event enables the general public to visit houses around Australia that have been designed with sustainability in mind, and pick the brains of the owners.
Where: Various locations throughout Australia
When: Sept.16
Cost: Gold coin donation
October
Archifest / ArchXpo
What: Design exhibition and trade fair
Where: Marina Bay Sands for ArchXpo; island-wide in Singapore for Archifest
When: Oct. 2-4 for ArchXpo; to be announced for Archifest
Cost: Varies
The annual weeks-long festival includes ArchXpo, an international exhibition of architecture and the built environment for professionals. Archifest is open to the design-loving public, and features signature event Architours, among others.
Biennale Interieur 2018
What: Biennial contemporary design event
Where: Kortrijk, Belgium
When: Oct. 18-22
Cost: Varies
Every two years since 1968, the small city of Kortrijk in Belgium has hosted a design event that draws some of the most innovative new designers in the world. Only contemporary designs are exhibited. Seen here is the Wayback sofa, from Belgian designer Kobe Mertens; it won the jury-selected prize for best sofa design at the 2016 event.
Archifest / ArchXpo
What: Design exhibition and trade fair
Where: Marina Bay Sands for ArchXpo; island-wide in Singapore for Archifest
When: Oct. 2-4 for ArchXpo; to be announced for Archifest
Cost: Varies
The annual weeks-long festival includes ArchXpo, an international exhibition of architecture and the built environment for professionals. Archifest is open to the design-loving public, and features signature event Architours, among others.
Biennale Interieur 2018
What: Biennial contemporary design event
Where: Kortrijk, Belgium
When: Oct. 18-22
Cost: Varies
Every two years since 1968, the small city of Kortrijk in Belgium has hosted a design event that draws some of the most innovative new designers in the world. Only contemporary designs are exhibited. Seen here is the Wayback sofa, from Belgian designer Kobe Mertens; it won the jury-selected prize for best sofa design at the 2016 event.
November
The Salon Art + Design
What: Design exhibition
Where: Park Avenue Armory, New York City, USA
When: Nov. 8-12
Cost: AU$31
Every year, more than 50 of the world’s finest galleries and boutiques display paintings, sculpture and furniture in the Park Avenue Armory’s 5,000-square-metre Wade Thompson Drill Hall, modelled after 19th-century European train stations.
Stars of last year’s show were Fredrik Paulsen’s anodised aluminium tables, seen here. The glass-topped tables have legs that give off an iridescent glow.
Artissima
What: Italy’s most important contemporary art fair, devoted to highlighting emerging artists and rediscovering pioneers of art.
Where: Turin, Italy
When: Nov. 5-7
Cost: Varies
BDNY: Boutique Design New York
What: Trade show for boutique hotel and restaurant design, offering home interior inspiration.
Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City, USA
When: Nov. 11-12
Cost: Free; trade only
The Salon Art + Design
What: Design exhibition
Where: Park Avenue Armory, New York City, USA
When: Nov. 8-12
Cost: AU$31
Every year, more than 50 of the world’s finest galleries and boutiques display paintings, sculpture and furniture in the Park Avenue Armory’s 5,000-square-metre Wade Thompson Drill Hall, modelled after 19th-century European train stations.
Stars of last year’s show were Fredrik Paulsen’s anodised aluminium tables, seen here. The glass-topped tables have legs that give off an iridescent glow.
Artissima
What: Italy’s most important contemporary art fair, devoted to highlighting emerging artists and rediscovering pioneers of art.
Where: Turin, Italy
When: Nov. 5-7
Cost: Varies
BDNY: Boutique Design New York
What: Trade show for boutique hotel and restaurant design, offering home interior inspiration.
Where: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City, USA
When: Nov. 11-12
Cost: Free; trade only
December
The Magic of Christmas
What: Garden tour
Where: The Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
When: Dec. 1, 2018, through Jan. 6, 2019
Cost: About AU$25
For the month of December and a few days into the new year, one of Canada’s most prized public gardens transforms into a holiday winter wonderland. Here, the park’s archway leading to the Italian garden is aglow in all of its holiday glory. Christmas lights, wreaths, roving carollers, ice skating and holiday treats are among the sights, sounds and activities to take in.
Design Miami
What: In conjunction with Art Basel, this event features museum-quality 21st-century furniture, lighting and objets d’art from the world’s top galleries.
Where: Miami, USA
When: Dec. 5-9
Cost: AU$37
The Magic of Christmas
What: Garden tour
Where: The Butchart Gardens, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
When: Dec. 1, 2018, through Jan. 6, 2019
Cost: About AU$25
For the month of December and a few days into the new year, one of Canada’s most prized public gardens transforms into a holiday winter wonderland. Here, the park’s archway leading to the Italian garden is aglow in all of its holiday glory. Christmas lights, wreaths, roving carollers, ice skating and holiday treats are among the sights, sounds and activities to take in.
Design Miami
What: In conjunction with Art Basel, this event features museum-quality 21st-century furniture, lighting and objets d’art from the world’s top galleries.
Where: Miami, USA
When: Dec. 5-9
Cost: AU$37
Modernism Week
What: Tours of modern homes and design exhibition
Where: Palm Springs, California, USA
When: Feb. 15-25
Cost: Tours range from AU$43-$105
Lovers of mid-century design flock every year to the California desert for Modernism Week. The 10-day event includes tours of local architecture and modern gardens, and furniture exhibitions. Mid-century design boutiques, like Archive, will be selling vintage pieces, like the rare green leather Eames lounge chair seen here.