
February 2026 Interior Design Events You Simply Can’t Miss
Summary
From material-focused exhibitions like Surface Design Show to art-driven fairs like ZⓈONAMACO and Frieze Los Angeles, February gives designers targeted opportunities for research, reference building, and technical learning. Whether you’re sourcing finishes, coordinating construction details, studying architectural precedent, or gathering cultural inspiration, February’s design events are most valuable when approached with clear goals; and even if you can’t attend, following along online can still provide meaningful insight.
Reflection Questions
Which February event best supports your current phase of design work: sourcing, construction, or conceptual development?
How could attending a smaller, more targeted fair improve the efficiency of your research process?
What role do art and architectural history play in shaping your residential design decisions?
Journal Prompt
February sits between inspiration-heavy fairs and active buying season. How could you use this slower month more intentionally to strengthen your design process or creative direction?
February sits between two very different phases of the design calendar. January is dense with large fairs that set direction and establish context for the year ahead. March and April bring markets and travel that are more closely tied to active buying and client-facing work. February tends to fall into the gap between those two phases. The events that take place this month are fewer, but they can be useful when approached with a specific purpose.
This list focuses on February events that offer practical value at different stages of work, whether that is material research, construction coordination, architectural reference, or cultural context that informs residential projects. And if you can’t attend, check on each fair’s Instagram posts for inspiration!
Five February 2026 Interior Design Events You Simply Can’t Miss
Surface Design Show
Where: Business Design Center in London, United Kingdom
When: February 3 to February 5, 2026
Surface Design Show happens early in February in London at the Business Design Centre. It is a dedicated surface materials exhibition with over 180 companies showing products across flooring, wall and ceiling finishes, cladding, natural stone, and engineered materials. Exhibitors include Applelec, Noel & Marquet, Casa Ferrara, ORAC, Squire & Partners, and so many others.
There are seminars and a program of talks featuring speakers from industry firms and practices. This year will include RIBA: AI in Practice and RIBA: Futures Leaders, which are both summits packed with both industry experts and globally respected leaders outside the industry. Registration is free, but you should register in advance to secure access.
This fair is useful for designers who need to compare materials side by side in real life and get answers from manufacturers about performance, lead times, and technical concerns. Because it is focused on materials and located in the UK, Surface Design Show tends to be smaller and easier to navigate than larger trade fairs. Submit this form to register.
Fuel your creative fire & be a part of a supportive community that values how you love to live.
subscribe to our newsletter
*please check your Spam folder for the latest DesignDash Magazine issue immediately after subscription

ZⓈONAMACO
Where: Centro Banamex in Mexico City, Mexico
When: February 4 to February 8, 2026
ZⓈONAMACO is one of Latin America’s largest international art fairs; it takes place annually in Mexico City. The fair includes multiple sections dedicated to contemporary art, design, photography, modern art, and antiques. Galleries from Mexico, the United States, Europe, and South America participate each year, presenting work that spans fine art, collectible design, and decorative objects. For example, Manuela Moscoso from Ecuador, Esteban King from Ciudad Mexico, and Aimé Iglesias Lukin from Buenos Aires will all curate sections for this year’s fair.

While the fair is not organized as a trade event, many interior designers attend to build visual reference libraries and stay informed about artists and styles that influence high-end residential projects. ZⓈONAMACO is useful for designers working with art-driven clients or projects where original objects are part of the scope. The fair is also supported by citywide exhibitions, gallery openings, and museum programming during the same week, which can provide additional context beyond the main exhibition halls. You can find the full program and catalog here.
Modernism Week
Where: Various locations throughout Palm Springs, California, USA
When: February 12 to February 22, 2026
Modernism Week is an annual architecture and design festival centered on midcentury modern buildings in Palm Springs. One of our DesignDash Community members, Staci Munic, has shown her gorgeous home for many years during Modernism Week. As photographer Jeffrey Johnson described last year, “Palm Springs Modernism Week wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the incredibly talented Staci Munic’s newly-renovated midcentury house. She made some clever changes to the floor plan to maximize function while honoring the traditional form of this architectural gem.”
Another home Staci worked on (pictured above) has also been featured on a Modernism Week Signature Home Tour. The program typically includes guided home tours, architectural bus tours, lectures, film screenings, and panel discussions. Events take place across private residences, public buildings, and historic neighborhoods. Enjoy presentations like 100 Years of Route 66: California’s Midcentury Icons, lectures like A Place in the Sun: Restoring the 1929 Neutra Lovell, and cocktail hours at iconic locations like the Parr House. If you adore California Brutalism, please don’t miss the Atomic Ranch Talk & Tour on Valentine’s Day!
Modernism Week is a must-go for designers working on residential projects that reference modernist architecture or indoor–outdoor living. Because programming is spread across many days, reviewing the schedule in advance is essential. Most tours and talks require individual tickets, and popular events often sell out early.
Design & Construction Week (KBIS and IBS)
Where: Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, USA
When: February 17 to February 19, 2026
Design & Construction Week brings together the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builders’ Show (IBS) into one large, multi-hall event. Together, the shows feature thousands of exhibitors across cabinetry, appliances, plumbing fixtures, lighting, hardware, surfaces, building materials, and construction systems.
Major brands like Kohler, Caesarstone, Sub-Zero, GE Appliances, Emtek, Delta, and Wilson typically exhibit, alongside emerging manufacturers and international suppliers. There isn’t a ton of information available online, but you will be able to see more than 600 brands on the show floor and have the opportunity to attend over 100 sessions, some of which qualify for continuing education credits. Topics range from kitchen and bath planning and construction documentation to building codes, sustainability standards, and manufacturing changes affecting lead times and pricing.
This event is most useful for designers working on kitchens, bathrooms, renovations, and new construction. Because KBIS and IBS run concurrently, designers can review adjacent categories in one trip, which helps when coordinating appliances, cabinetry, and plumbing within the same project. Due to the scale of the show, attending with a defined product focus is recommended. Registration is required, and hotel accommodations should be booked early. Learn more about the program here.
Frieze Los Angeles
Where: Santa Monica Airport, Los Angeles, California, USA
When: February 26 to March 1, 2026
Frieze Los Angeles is an international contemporary art fair that hosts galleries from North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Exhibits include painting, sculpture, installation, photography, and mixed-media work by both established and emerging artists. The fair also includes curated projects, public installations, and talks developed specifically for the Los Angeles edition. This year, Frieze has partnered with Art Production Fund for public art programming throughout the LA Area. You can learn more about that program here.
Participating galleries like Gagosian and Hauser & Wirth will present large-scale works and museum-quality pieces that influence how contemporary art is collected and displayed in residential settings. Artists like Patrick Martinez and Yvonne Wells will also present this year. Designers should attend to better understand current trends in scale, framing, wall spacing, and lighting requirements for original artwork.
While Frieze is not a trade fair, it can be helpful for designers working with art-focused clients or collaborating with advisors and galleries. The fair provides real-world exposure to pricing structures and presentation standards that affect spatial planning. Tickets must be purchased in advance, but preview days are typically reserved for industry professionals and collectors.
Don’t Miss These February Design Events!
To recap, Surface Design Show runs February 3–5, 2026 in London. ZⓈONAMACO takes place February 4–8, 2026 in Mexico City. Modernism Week runs February 12–22, 2026 in Palm Springs. Design & Construction Week, including KBIS and IBS, is February 17–19, 2026 in Orlando. Frieze Los Angeles spans February 26 through March 1, 2026 in Santa Monica.
Written by the DesignDash Editorial Team
Our contributors include experienced designers, firm owners, design writers, and other industry professionals. If you’re interested in submitting your work or collaborating, please reach out to our Editor-in-Chief at editor@designdash.com.



